Youngest Democratic Commissioner In NJ Sworn In As Union Co. Chairman

UNION COUNTY, NJ — At Union County's 166th reorganization meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 4, Commissioner Sergio Granados was selected as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Granados, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth, is the youngest Democratic Commissioner ever elected in the State of New Jersey at age 34. The new chairman announced a series of initiatives for 2023, entitled “Building a Stronger Union County,” focusing on enhancing local communities, while empowering private and public sectors.

Included in these initiatives, among others, are developing greater relationships between Union County businesses, job training and opportunities for their residents, a series of mental health programs and services, park enhancements and housing assistance programs for renters and homeowners as well as rebate programs for the veteran and senior population.

Former Commissioner Christopher Hudak was also sworn into his first term as Union County Surrogate and Bette Jane Kowalski, Sergio Granados and Rebecca Williams were sworn in for their terms.

Commissioner Joseph Bodek was appointed to fill the seat of outgoing Commissioner Christopher Hudak, and Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded was appointed Commissioner Vice Chairwoman.

The Commissioners also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2023 schedule and procedural rules.

“As Chairman, I want to build a path of resilience and togetherness, so I am announcing a series of initiatives, which will roll out throughout the year, called 'Building a Stronger Union County,'" said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

"Our residents are what make Union County strong and each year we continue to ensure that they are at the forefront of all our decisions. These were just some of examples of all of the great things we will do together in 2023 and we will be announcing more as the year goes on, because we are breaking down barriers, opening doors for all, and building the county that our residents want and deserve," he said.

Residents can find a transcript of this speech on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/commissioners.