Freeholder John Mitchell, at the Schedler House
Former Republican Freeholders take issue with Tedesco Campaign
October 27,2014
Ridgewood NJ, Former Bergen County Freeholders John Mitchell, John Driscoll, and Rob Hermansen today set the record straight regarding the lies and inaccuracies of current Freeholder and County Executive Candidate James Tedesco.
In recent interviews, including one with My9, the first term freeholder boasted that the budget passed by the 2014 freeholder board was the first zero budget in 30 years.
Freeholder John Mitchell, who served as Chairman of the Board in 2012 and budget chair in 2011 and 2012 responded, “In 2011 I was proud to have worked with my fellow freeholders and every county department to deliver a budget that was less than the previous year’s. It was the first time this has legitimately occurred since there has been a county executive form of government, dating back to the 1980’s. This true cost saving for our taxpayers was accomplished by cutting the waste and excess of the prior Democrat controlled administration, while maintaining, and in many cases enhancing the vital services the hard working people of Bergen County deserve. These one time budget gimmicks that Mr. Tedesco hypes are clearly fiscally irresponsible, certainly politically motivated, and definitely demonstrates a lack of courage to make hard choices.”
Freeholder John Driscoll, who served as Chairman of the Board in 2011, commented, “I was proud that in 2011, the first year of Republican control of the County Executive office, Sheriff, County Clerk and the Freeholder Board, we were able to deliver for the taxpayers the first true zero budget. I am sad that in just four short years a candidate seeking higher office would distort the truth and history.”
Freeholder Rob Hermansen stated, “By stepping on the record of those who served prior to him shows just the type of elected official he is. The residents of Bergen County can not trust Tedesco and deserve better!”
On Wednesday June 15, 2011 the Republican controlled Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the 2011 County Budget with a 5 – 2 vote with Democratic Freeholder David Ganz, who is currently seeking re-election to the Freeholder Board, voting no.
The adopted budget for 2011 represented a decrease from the prior year’s spending. The budget marked for the first time since 2003 that the County tax levy did not increase and actually reflected a decrease when compared to 2010.