Burlington County Replacing Term 'Freeholder' With 'Commissioner'

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County has begun replacing the term “freeholder” with “county commissioner” following a change in state law, officials announced on Friday.

“Two years ago, on New Year’s Day, I proudly swore an oath to serve the residents of Burlington County as their elected freeholder, becoming only the third person of color to hold the county office and just the second Black woman. Today I’m proud to permanently lose that title and take on a new one, County Commissioner,” Burlington County Board Director Felicia Hopson said. “The old title was confusing and leftover from an age when only white male property owners could hold elected office. As late as 1865, that property could include Black men, women and children,” Director Hopson said. “Just because something is seen as tradition does not necessarily make it right, so I’m thankful for Gov. Murphy and our Legislature for finally making this change. It may seem like a small thing, but it sends a message that racism in any form or from any era is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.”

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation requiring counties to make the change on Friday. In response, Hopson directed all County departments to immediately begin implementation.

On Aug. 12, Burlington County officials voted unanimously to approve a resolution expressing its complete support of the legislation. Read more here: Burlington County Names Members Of First Civil Rights Task Force

Updates to the county website, social media pages and other electronic communications are under way, and officials said the county has also started phasing out other materials, including letterhead, stationary and small displays.

Signs and other materials will be updated over time under the county’s normal replacement schedule, so that the county does not incur any significant additional expense.Read more here: Burlington County To Consider Ending Use Of Term 'Freeholder'

Freeholder is an Old English term dating back to before the American Revolution to denote a person who owns land and is free of debt, which was a requirement to hold public office. At the time, only white men could own property and serve.

In addition to endorsing the name change, the Burlington County recently formed a new Minority and Equality Rights Task Force to devise ways the County can combat systemic racism and support equality. Read more here: Burlington County Establishes Civil Rights Task Force

“We’re committed to having the important conversations about race and discrimination and also to taking action to bring about racism’s end,” Hopson said. “Today’s name change is a small but important step in our collective mission to bring about real equality for all.”

Read more here: Civil Rights Task Force Possible In Burlington County