After much discussion and debate, I want to share with you the reasons that contribute to my support for Yitz Stern and Rosemary Hernandez Carroll in the upcoming Democratic primary for NJ General Assembly to represent District 37 (Bogota, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, Teaneck and Tenafly).
Public Leadership: Yitz and Rosemary are community leaders with decades of leadership and public service. Yitz is a former councilman and deputy mayor of Teaneck recognized by elected officials and peers for his vision and initiative. Yitz is a longtime commission member and speaker for the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education. He is also a former commissioner of the NJ-Israel Commission, where he developed economic, scientific, educational and cultural ties between New Jersey and the State of Israel.
As a councilman, Yitz was appointed to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Legislative Committee to help communities improve government, support policy development, identify resources and opportunities for increased efficiency of public services, and provide an influential voice to local issues and concerns with state leadership.
Housing and Fiscal Responsibility: Yitz and Rosemary are both local entrepreneurs with a proven track record of developing businesses and improving the community. Yitz is a fiscal officer at the Bergen County Department of Public Safety where he brings his analytical knowledge gained by co-founding a local bank and as a business and economics adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Rosemary is a lifelong Hackensack resident, local realtor and small business owner. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, her intergenerational ties to Hackensack give her a unique perspective and distinct familiarity with the Hackensack community, its challenges and our opportunities. She is dedicated to making sure that the American dream is affordable and available to all residents through hard work. She helps her neighbors build wealth by improving neighborhood infrastructure, championing fair funding for schools and expanding home ownership.
Public Safety and Security: Rosemary and Yitz understand that all residents, no matter the background, deserve to feel safe and protected. They have not only committed to sponsor and support the critical IHRA bill, but have reliably stood with the Teaneck Jewish community in the face of targeted hate and demonstrations.
Through his work at the Bergen County Department of Public Safety, Yitz understands the unique demands and needs of our police, fire and EMS departments. As a fiscal officer, Yitz oversees eight divisions and works closely with Bergen County’s emergency management leadership and training academies to ensure that we are served and protected by public servants with the highest level of training and best equipment.
Open Space Preservation and Recreation: As chair of Teaneck’s Municipal Open Space Trust fund, I know how critical open space grants and NJDEP Green Acres funding are to sustaining local program development while lowering the burden on taxpayers and municipalities.
As a former member of the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Public Advisory Committee, Yitz has a track record of working with local, county, and state leaders to drive investment back into the community and provide funding for recreation and park development, historic preservation, and protecting open space. Yitz and Rosemary are ready and positioned to proactively advocate for District 37 and bring dollars back to support critical open space preservation and recreation grants for the entire district.
Endorsements and Support: Don’t take my word for it, Yitz and Rosemary are the only local candidates endorsed by our local elected officials, community organizations, civic leaders and clergy, including: TeachNJ, BCJAC, New Jersey Solidarity Network, three Teaneck mayors, Teaneck’s deputy mayor, former District 37 assemblyman, retired Hackensack police chief, and council and BOE members from Bogota, Englewood, Hackensack and Teaneck.
I challenge my fellow District 37 neighbors to be honest with themselves, and the community, as they choose who is deserving of their vote this upcoming election. Who has the demonstrated experience, relationships and proven success to bring the best out of Bergen County? Are special interest groups and “coalition members” who have endorsed candidates aligned with your goals and concerns? Who lives and works in District 37 and is committed to our safety and success?
This is our opportunity to work together and bring much needed representation of District 37 back to Trenton. This is about us, all of us.
I urge you to vote for Emil “Yitz” Stern (1B) and Rosemary Hernandez Carroll (2B) in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 10.
