NJ.com – When North Bergen voters head to the polls in school elections next month, they’ll be asked to approve a proposed $48.8 million district-wide budget that would increase the school portion of their property tax bills by $52 for the average homeowner, district officials said.

That’s the dollar amount school taxes would rise under a 4.3-percent increase in the tax rate for the 2017-18 school year for a home assessed at $140,000, said the North Bergen superintendent of schools, Dr.George J. Solter Jr.

School elections are April 25 in North Bergen, one of only two Hudson districts, along with Weehawken, where voters still vote one district budgets and candidates in April rather than November.

Read more at NJ.com

In an interview with Hudson County View’s John Heines – State Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco dispelled rumors of his Senate Presidency ambitions.

“You know, there’s people just throw names out,” said Mayor Sacco with a jubilant grin. “Like, I’ve been around a long time, however, the thought that I was gonna go back and forth to Trenton five to seven days a week and spend all my nights attending people’s fundraiser….they’re thinking of a Nick Sacco that maybe existed a long, long time ago – not the one here now.”

Watch the full interview on HudsonCountyView.com

North Bergen Mayor (also New Jersey State Senator) posted a link on his official Facebook page from that states that “at a Monday evening fundraiser at the Liberty House in Jersey City, Sacco took the stage to give his support for Fulop…”

Sacco also released his official statement;

“Mayor Steven Fulop has become a leader not just of Jersey City, but of Hudson County as our area takes its place as the economic driver of the state. He has assembled an excellent record as a Mayor, always taking time to help residents with their everyday issues while still keeping his attention focused on Jersey City’s future. I am proud to support Mayor Fulop for re-election and look forward to continuing to work with him”

“This isn’t like most political events I’ve been to,” says a guest at Freeholder Anthony Vainieri’s campaign event. The scene at Waterside Restaurant, in North Bergen, looked more like a victory celebration rather than a campaign kickoff. There was loud music, a shoulder to shoulder crowd, open bar, and jubilant smiles.

Hudson County democrats have plenty to celebrate. They have maintained solidarity in a party that was fractured by the democratic presidential primary.The party showcased their unity as the state and county’s top officials were in attendance; New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, Hudson County Executive Tom Degise, State Senator Nicholas Sacco, West New York Mayor Felix Roque, and former West New York Mayor Sal Vega.

Notably missing from the event was State Senator/Union City Mayor Brian Stack who endorsed the republican candidate for Governor in 2013. However, he has formally endorsed Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, Phil Murphy, for 2017.

Two years ago, Vainieri was elected to his first term in a 5,108 to 1,062 victory over North Bergen Police Sgt. Enrique Marrero. The Freeholder has since been elected to become the chairman of the County.

Given Governor Chris Christie’s approval ratings are at an all-time low and the overwhelming support of Phil Murphy in Hudson County, Vainieri’s re-election is nearly certain.

In case you’re wondering, what’s a “Freeholder” – here’s an explanation, courtesy of Camden County:

The term “Freeholder” originated in the early 1700s. The State of New Jersey continues to use this title, which was established in Colonial Times when only men who held their land “free and clear” were eligible to be chosen for membership on the county governing body. Currently, the Freeholder Board is the governing body for the County of [Hudson].

The Freeholders are empowered with a broad scope of authority, some of which is designated to them by the State of New Jersey. The Board has many diverse and important responsibilities, including both legislative and executive functions. A primary duty entails the adoption of the annual fiscal budget for [Hudson] County’s municipalities and all of the County agencies and services.

Other areas for which the Freeholders have responsibilities include, but are not limited to, law enforcement, welfare, education, roads, and economic development. The Freeholders are involved in community service and participate on local and county committees and boards.

Vainieri makes the case that he is perfect for the position:

“We closed the ‘dust bowl’ on Bergenline Ave. and dedicated a brand new area to honor our veterans,” writes Freeholder Vainieri. “We brought the first ever farmers market, first ever classic car and motorcycle show, first ever Arts Fair and after 40 years missing, we returned the Annual Carnival for Columbus Day weekend.

“We established a safety program for Kennedy Blvd. that slows down traffic. We paved Paterson Plank Road all the way into Secaucus. We are building a new high school that leads the way for North Bergen to gain a new High School as well. We just announced replacing the entire wall and path around our lake. We are going out for proposals for the lake house to become an eatery.”

The election is June 6th, 2017. You must be a registered democrat to participate in the election.

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On January 25th, 2016 President Trump signed an executive order targeting so-called “sanctuary cities”, which limit cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agents.

There is no legal definition of a “Sanctuary City”, however, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement arm, found that 165 jurisdictions across the country “have a specific policy limiting cooperation with federal authorities,” according to an analysis of ICE records obtained by The Texas Tribune.

Phil Swibinski, spokesman for North Bergen, said that the township has never declared itself a sanctuary city — but that the North Bergen Police Department follows the attorney general’s guidelines that state that they have to check immigration status only for people arrested and charged with an indictable offense.

“If someone is arrested for a misdemeanor, they don’t check the immigration status of that person, but that is what I think every police department in the state does, and that is not unique,” said Swibinski. “We are not sure how we landed on the lists.”

He said the township and its officials have been helpful to undocumented immigrants who live there, and that Mayor Nicholas Sacco has been supportive of former President Barack Obama’s immigration policies, including one that gave deportation waivers to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally who were brought to the country as children.

Other Mayors in the state such as Jersey City’s Mayor Steven Fulop and Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka have taken additional steps to ensure that the new President’s executive orders will not affect the people of their respective cities. Fulop released a statement, “we intend to stand by our principles and values as a city,” while Baraka said he saw “no reason to change” Newark’s policies.

Read more at NorthJersey.com

Read more at TheAtlantic.com

NORTH BERGEN — Nearly 400 residents packed into the Schuetzen Park Casino Room on January 10th to meet New Jersey’s potential next governor as Mayor Nick Sacco welcomed Phil Murphy to North Bergen for a Town Hall Meeting. Murphy, who has been endorsed by Mayor Sacco and the Hudson County Democratic Organization, answered questions from residents and outlined his plans to grow the economy, create jobs, increase school funding and much more.

“After eight disastrous years of Chris Christie I could not be more excited to support someone like Phil Murphy,” said Mayor Sacco. “Phil Murphy understands the challenges that North Bergen has faced and knows what communities like ours need to thrive. I am wholeheartedly supporting him and believe that he will be our next governor.”

Attendees at the Town Hall Meeting included Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, North Bergen Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Allen Pascual, Frank Gargiulo and Julio Marenco, Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, Sheriff Frank Schillari, West New York Mayor Felix Roque, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis and many other local elected and municipal officials.

“Mayor Sacco and his administration have accomplished a lot in North Bergen with limited state resources for public education, economic development, job creation, public safety and the like, but they could do much more with a governor who recognizes the importance of truly investing in our communities,” said Murphy. “North Bergen, and towns like it, are key to unlocking New Jersey’s potential and I am excited to be a partner to this excellent community.”

Murphy has held dozens of Town Hall events throughout the state since announcing his candidacy last spring, attracting large crowds and thoughtful conversation about the issues facing the state. He has been endorsed by Democratic leaders throughout the state and is running for the party’s nomination in the upcoming June primary election.

1. Nicholas Sacco, Senator & Mayor

It comes as no surprise that Senator/Mayor Nicholas Sacco comes in as #1 on the HudPost Power Ranking list. Starting his public career as an educator and elected to the board of commissioners in the late 1980s, the 70 year old is the longest serving Mayor in North Bergen history.

While it’s clear that his Senate seat is quite secure – his mayoral title will be contested by the Wainstein/Marrero team, but that is two years away.

2. Anthony Vainieri, Freeholder

Business owner and Sacco’s Chief of Staff/Legislative aide was elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2014, when former Freeholder Thomas Liggio announced his retirement. No word if he will have an opponent in his upcoming re-election race. He confirmed his intent to run by announcing a fundraiser with Governor hopeful, Phil Murphy, for February 3rd. Vainieri received 5,108 votes in his first election and stands a good chance of being reelected.

The Freeholder was just elected by his peers to become the new Chairman of the Board of Freeholders. Vainieri is also the Chairman of the Board of Adjustments.

3. Robert Dowd, Police Chief

In 2016 Chief “Bob” Dowd was invited to the White House to meet with the members of the President’s senior staff to discuss aspects of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Dowd became President of the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association. The association offers consultation to policymakers and the County Prosecutor on issues that affect the quality of life for Hudson County citizens.

Dowd was designated an Accredited Chief Executive, Chief of Police, Advanced by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. This is the highest level of accreditation a police chief can hold in NJ, and currently Dowd is the only Chief of Police in Hudson County to hold this accredited status.

4. Paul Swinbiski President of Vision Media

Paul is the owner of Vision Media and brings over 25 years of experience in political arena. The company’s clients include US Congressman Albio Sires, County Executive Tom Degise, and every department of the North Bergen township.

Vision Media continues to dominate the public relations market for most municipalities in Hudson County.

The company was recently awarded for two political ads and is responsible for the viral “I be from North Bergen, son!” campaign.

5. Phil Swinbiski & Juan Pablo Escobar, Township Spokesmen

Son of Paul Swibinski, Phil is the spokesperson for the town and Vice President of Vision Media. He is the go-to person for public relations crises.

Adding Army National Guardsman and North Bergen HS Alumni, Juan Escobar, gives the company access to the changing demographics of the town.

6. Julio Marenco, Commissioner

He’s North Bergen’s newest and youngest commissioner, giving the board of commissioners a 3:2 ratio of Latinos. Marenco served as Sacco’s intern before becoming President of the Board of Education. He replaced the first woman commissioner, Theresa Ferrera, and became the youngest commissioner in North Bergen history in 2015.

Marenco also serves as a member of the New Jersey state parole board.

He is the “hip” commissioner who regularly uses Facebook to speak to his constituents and even advised his followers to “Netflix and chill” during a snowstorm.

7. John Heinis, Political Correspondent

Former reporter for the Jersey Journal & HudsonCountyTV.com, who left to start his own media company, Hudson County View. Heinis has proven to be a reputable and respected source of North Bergen news.

8. Larry Wainstein, Business Owner

You’ve probably received a letter, call, or knock on the door from, millionaire business owner, Larry Wainstein. He’s seen as the Mayor’s arch-enemy and came closest to dethroning the incumbent.

Although, Wainstein lost in 2015, recieving 4,900 votes, he continues to keep his office open on Kennedy Boulevard. Teaming up with Marrero has been seen as a reinforcement strategy, before challenging Mayor Sacco again.

9. Henry Marrero, Police Sgt.

Once seen as the Mayor’s right hand man turned independent, Marrero unsuccessfully ran against Sacco backed candidate, Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, receiving 1,062 votes.

He used the support from his Freeholder’s election to run for commissioner, branding himself as the ethical alternative to Sacco and Wainstein.

He received 589 votes in election but now has been seen attending multiple parades and political gatherings with Wainstein. No confirmation if he will seek the Freeholder’s seat again or work with Larry for the 2019 race.

10. Denis Jaslow, Community Organizer

Creator and administrator of “North Bergen Now, Then, & Memories….” Facebook page that has over 9,400+ followers. Jaslow has created a platform for North Bergen residents, old and new, to come together and share love for their town.

Honorable Mention: Allen Pascual, Commissioner. Hugo Cabrera, Commissioner. Edgar Santillan, Political Operative. Dr. George Solter, Superintendent of Schools.