Union County Welcomes New Commissioners Chair For 2026

ELIZABETH, NJ — Union County welcomed its new leading chairperson on Jan. 1 in an official swearing-in ceremony.

Joseph C. Bodek assumed the position of Chairman during the Reorganization Meeting that was held at the Union County Courthouse. He has served on the Union County Board of County Commissioners for the last three years, and is also Linden's City Clerk.

Bodek is taking over for Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon who, in January 2025, became the first Hispanic woman to lead Union County.

"Together, we will continue moving Union County forward with purpose, responsibility, and respect for those who came before us," said Bodek.

Under his 2026 Chairman's Initiatives, he is looking to build on the County's future while honoring its past. This includes plans for events that honor the 250th birthday of the United States, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Bodek also said he will look to grow County services, and lead new recreational, environmental, and educational opportunities that engage and enrich communities.

This means "reliable, accessible, and responsive" actions, he said, for the greater good each and every resident.

New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senate President and Chairman of the Union County Democratic Committee, spoke at the ceremony that also honored departing commissioners Sergio Granados and Bette Jane Kowalski.

Kowalkski retired, while Granados left his seat in 2025 when he ran for an opening in the State Assembly 20th District.

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Democrats Stanley Neron, and Joseph Signorello III were voted in as new members to the Board of Commissioners in November. Commissioner Rebecca Williams was also sworn in on Jan. 1 for a new term and as Vice Chair of the Board.

Joanne Rajoppi also took an oath to serve another term as Union County Clerk.

Bodek's Road To Chairman

Bodek has lived in New Jersey his entire life and brings with him more than 40 years of service to Union County.

After beginning in office as a member of the Linden Board of Education for 12 years, he added an additional role in 1989 as Clerk to the Union County Utilities Authority. After more than 30 years, he stepped down in 2022 when he was appointed to the Board of County Commissioners.

Bodek previously served on the Union County College Board of School Estimates, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Solid Waste Advisory Board, Construction Board of Appeals, Union County Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

As Chairman, he will also continue in his current role as City Clerk for Linden.

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