Camden County Official Named NJ Freeholder Of The Year

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Camden County Freeholder Jonathan L. Young, Sr. has been named the 2020 Maurice Fitzgibbons Freeholder of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC), county officials announced on Tuesday.

“It is truly a humbling experience to be recognized by my peers throughout New Jersey’s 21 counties,” said Young, who has been a freeholder since January 2015. “It is my honor to serve the residents of Camden County, and I thank NJAC for selecting me for this year’s award. I’m looking forward to continuing my commitment to make county government more effective and efficient for our taxpayers.”

He oversees numerous Camden County Departments including Public Safety; Economic and Workforce Development; Sustainability; and, Corrections and Juvenile Justice.

Earlier this year, Young was among 17 black freeholders that called for the end of the use of the archaic term freeholder for county officeholders. Young noted that the history of the term freeholder is rooted in misogyny, racism, and privilege.

He urged the adoption of the more fitting title of commissioner to encourage diverse voices to join the ranks of public service and to represent a more inclusive government. Read more here: Camden County Official Supports Ending Use Of Term ‘Freeholder’

The Freeholder of the Year Award is named for Maurice Fitzgibbons who served as a Hudson County Freeholder at the time of his death in 2010 and was past president of NJAC. Young will be recognized during the Dec. 11 NJAC board meeting, which will be held virtually.