Tedesco Seeking Another 4-Year Term As Bergen County Executive

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — James Tedesco III wants another four years in office in the county's highest elected office.

Tedesco, a Democrat, announced his campaign for re-election Monday. Tedesco touted many positive things in his four years in office, including adoption of a $15 minimum wage for full-time county workers.

Tedesco made enhancements to the parks system and helped oversee the management transition at Bergen Regional Medical Center, which is now New Bridge Medical Center.

Also during Tedesco's term, Bergen County was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the first New Jersey county to end homelessness among veterans and the first in the United States to end chronic homelessness.

Tedesco also signed a deal that merged the Bergen County Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office. Twenty-six officers were laid off as a result.

“There is still so much that we want to accomplish, and I am even more excited about the future of our county today than when we first took office,” Tedesco said.

Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez and congressmen Bill Pascrell and Josh Gottheimer attended Tedesco's announcement.

"I don’t think there literally is a more qualified person in this state for a chief executive position — it is an extraordinary portfolio of skills and experience,” Murphy said. “Not only am I here to stand up for you today but I’m also here to give you a commitment. Whether it’s today, over the next number of months or after you get re-elected, as long as you’re there, you’re going to have a governor who is going to work with you side by side as a partner.”

Tedesco was born and raised in Paramus, the town where his political career began. He was first elected to the Borough Council in 2000 and served two terms as mayor.

Tedesco has served continuously as a Paramus volunteer firefighter since joining the fire department in 1976. He has three adult children and six grandchildren. His daughter Holly is a Paramus councilwoman.

“Jim Tedesco is a man of the people,” said Congressman Pascrell. “You know my deep, deep affection for first responders. Jim is out there helping people. I totally support his re-election efforts and I know he will be triumphant.”

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Photo: Bergen County Executive James Tedesco/Official Bergen County photo