By Jody Dietch
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Jody Dietch
After many years on the Executive Committee of the Orange Democratic Town Committee and a total of eight years as chair, it is time to turn the page and hand the leadership over to the next generation of Democrats.
There are many accomplishments I am proud of over the years. Bringing diversity to the ODTC is one. Helping to start this newspaper is another. I feel the circle is complete as I close out my time on the ODTC with my last column.
I am also humbled to be the honoree of the 2026 O’Sullivan Award. Trish Pearson started this award in 2016 with Paul Davis as the first honoree. Since then, we have honored many worthy Orange residents. It is an honor to share this award with them.
As I have written in past columns since the November 2025 election, we have a strong foundation on the ODTC. We added 15 new members in January and have more interest in joining. That enthusiasm comes from what residents are seeing from the ODTC and our candidates. They are seeing the actions we are taking on their behalf, bringing issues to light and keeping them informed via social media, our website (OrangeCtDems.org) and our monthly newsletter.
I grew up in Orange and moved back here in 2001 with my husband Jeff and sons Howie and Mike. I immediately got involved at Racebrook School, joining the Playground Committee chaired by Rachel Ettinger and Jill Ferrioalo. From there I joined the PTA and through my friends, Trish Pearson and Mitch Goldlbatt, became involved with the ODTC.
The friends I have made and people I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know personally are very special to me. These are opportunities I would not have had if not for the ODTC.
Have I made enemies along the way? I’d like to say not everyone has agreed with me, as opposed to making enemies. We are a small community, and we will not always agree on how best to move our town forward. We should be able to have an open conversation without being called “thorns” or being told to be quiet or “you lost.” I’d hope we would be better than that.
That is my hope for the future of the Orange. I hope we see leadership that genuinely wants to hear from their constituents and will embrace their opinions and not dismiss them. I hope to see leadership in Orange that will represent all residents regardless of party affiliation.
I am confident that the next leadership of the ODTC will be working very diligently, openly and passionately to bring those hopes to fruition. I plan to still be a part of the ODTC and look forward to helping make this happen.
Thank you to all who have supported me over the years. Thank you to my family for their support. Most of my sons’ time at RBS and Amity included their mom being on PTA, the Orange Board of Education and the ODTC. I couldn’t have served without their support – especially that of my husband. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.
Signing off…Jody Dietch, soon to be immediate past chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.
Jody Dietch is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.