DeNicola’s Hat in County Ring

By The Franklin Lakes Journal

Published: January 23, 2010

Mayor DeNicola has announced her candidacy for Bergen County Freeholder in the this November’s election. Five other Republican candidates are seeking one of three seats held by Democrats. The Republicans will be facing 2 incumbents, with the third incumbent, Tomas Padilla, not seeking re-election; no Democratic contender as been named to replace him on the ticket.

The economic recession, and unemployment now over 10%, have created a fertile environment for challengers. Recent news articles have discussed the freeholder position throughout the state of New Jersey and brought to light what many perceive as excessive salaries. There has been a move in Bergen County to reduce the annual salaries of freeholders even though Bergen County salaries are already on the conservative end of the salary spectrum.

The 7 freeholders oversee the provision of funds for the nine county departments including Bergen Regional Medical Center. They also supervise the funds for Bergen Community College, the Bergen County Special Services School District, Bergen County Technical Schools, the Bergen County Jail and county Police Department, the County Parks, roads and bridges.

The Board approves all County contracts for goods and/or services, and regularly disburse funds with respect to preserving open space in Bergen County. These grant awards have been the subject of criticism for years as they often benefit a single community with improvements to playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools or recreational fields; sometimes to the detriment of open space.

Residents can become familiar with the responsibilities of the board by accessing the agenda for the last freeloader meeting of 2009.