Three Counties, Three Latinos, Three Freeholder Chairs
January 7, 2008 by Cid WilsonFor the first time in the history of New Jersey, we have three Latinos who were sworn-in as County Freeholder Chairman/Chairwoman. In Bergen County, Tomas J. Padilla was sworn-in as Freeholder Chairman. In Passaic County, Sonia Rosado was sworn-in as Freeholder Director, which is the equivalent of the Chairman title in other counties. Both Padilla and Rosado were sworn into their positions on January 3, 2008. On January 6 in Union County, Angel G. Estrada was sworn in as Freeholder Chairman.
A Freeholder Chairman/Chairwoman commands immense influence in the policies in their respective counties. If you are not familiar with the title of the County Freeholder and wish to better understand the role and the history of the position, I recommend you visit the Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_of_Chosen_Freeholders. Having three Latinos lead their County Freeholder boards is a political achievement that all of us should be proud of.
So 2008 appears to be off to a great start for Latinos in New Jersey from a political standpoint. In addition to the freeholders, we have other Latino newcomers being sworn into office, including Teresa Ruiz who will be sworn-in as the first ever Latina State Senator in the history of the Garden State tomorrow (January 8). As the population of Latinos grow in New Jersey, so has our political power. Please join me in congratulating all of our Latino leaders who have made the commitment to serve publicly their local constituencies as well as our statewide community.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Congratulations to each of our Latino/a leaders who were sworn in this year. Including those who as of today add their voice in representing our community and their constituents in the NJ Legislature. Senator Ruiz, Assemblyman Ramos, Assemblywoman Rodriguez and the returning members of the state legislature.. may your continued connection with the community give you the strength to move forward with what you know to be right. May this connection also give you clarity of purpose, as you are part of a greater movement. We are truly in this together.
In regards to the freeholder chairpersons, let’s put this into perspective. A few years ago we had none. Last year, Freeholder Padilla become our one freeholder chairperson in the state. This year we have 3. A couple of years ago our community also had very few council presidents in the state. This year that number is significantly increased. It was also not until a couple years ago that we have a United States Senator for the first time in NJ history.
It is clear that what our community is willing to fight for - our community can truly achieve. Let us continue to work together to increase the number of Latino electeds across the state and ensure their continued successful tenure. Not only is this necessary for our community, but also for the good of our great state.
Juntos - Siempre Adelante!!!