Passaic County Freeholder: A Civics Lesson

On election day in any given year, I scrutinize my ballot and review the names and parties of the candidates for Governor, for Congress, for President. Off to the right will be a list of names I’m not as familiar with: candidates for County Freeholder. Like so many others, I’d be inclined to select a party affiliation and be done with it. That has changed.

I attended the recent candidates’ debate held in Wayne and hosted by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. The main event—the race for the 11th Congressional District—was preceded by a fascinating contest featuring six candidates for Freeholder in Passaic County. On the Republican side were Gary L. Passenti, Lori Mambelli and Francesco Pietropaolo. The Democratic ticket offered Cassandra Lazzara, Assad Akhter and John Bartlett, each having previously served as Passaic County Freeholders for varying periods of time, with Bartlett vying for a third three-year term.

A series of probing questions selected among many offered by the audience was posed to each of the six candidates with a one minute response limit, prompting a clear response. The questions ranged from administration of county park lands, STEM program courses offered at the Passaic County Technical Institute, road and highway improvement projects affecting Wayne, and so many other areas of responsibility falling under the jurisdiction of the seven-person board of Freeholders.

I gained a greater appreciation for the duties of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and came away from the debate with two clear thoughts. First, though the candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences, the many tasks of a Freeholder are dependent on sound judgement and fiscal accountability, to assure that the sixteen municipalities in our county are fully served and taxes judiciously applied. Second, it became evident over the hour of debate the Democratic candidates were far better prepared to address the questions with actual facts supporting their success in administering Passaic County. They demonstrated a command of the numbers behind a strong budget position and multiple credit rating upgrades while under Democratic control, and gave concrete examples and vision of how County services make a difference in the lives of residents. Their Republican rivals offered nothing but generalized pronouncements of qualification and vague references to current inadequacies.

It became clear the Democratic team had won the day, projecting competence and assuring the audience that Passaic County is in good hands. As the senior member, Mr. Bartlett exhibited a managerial confidence and understanding of the complexities entailed in governing our county, with unchallenged success in holding the line on costs at a time when constituents need it most.

I’ve learned a great deal toward an informed decision for County Freeholder and my choice is clear. I will be voting for John Bartlett and his colleagues on Row B.

Richard Kushnier

Wayne, New Jersey