A win by Democrats on November 8 would mean no GOP representation on board
By Alyana Alfaro • 11/03/16 3:14pm
Republicans DeNicola, Driscoll and DiDio are running for freeholder.(Photo: Bergen County Republican Organization)
During last year’s election, the Bergen County Democrats had a clean sweep over Republicans in the county freeholder race. This year, Democrats hope to achieve a similar win with candidates incumbent Freeholder Tom Sullivan, Germaine Ortiz and Mahwah Councilwoman Mary Amoroso. Meanwhile, Freeholder Maura DeNicola, Closter Councilman Robert DiDio and former Freeholder John Driscoll, the Republicans in the race, are fighting for a win and to maintain a significant GOP presence on the county board.
Freeholder DeNicola is running to reclaim her seat this year. She and her running mates agree that Republican victory is critical on November 8 in order to ensure that Bergen County government maintains a bi-partisan balance. DeNicola is one of only two Republicans serving on the board. Freeholder John Felice opted not to pursue re-election this year. If Democrats sweep the election this year, the freeholder board would be made by only by members of the Democratic Party.
“Their election would prohibit the healthy balance necessary for good government,” DeNicola said of her competitors. “Having one party in complete control of any board is never a good thing. We experienced the results of that in the not so distant past—ballooning budgets, rubber stamp votes and a lack of transparency. And balance in government isn’t only about party. It’s about open discussion, strengthening decision-making, keeping issues and the process before the public in the sunshine of openness and transparency.”
