Bergen County Board Of Commissioners Candidate Profile: Thomas Sullivan

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Candidates are set for the Bergen County Board of Commissioners race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the six candidates vying for the three open seats on the Board of Commissioners, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the county.

Thomas Sullivan is one of the three Democratic candidates running for a seat on the Board of Commissioners. He is facing three Republican challengers and two other Democratic incumbents.

Here are Sullivan's responses:

Name:

Thomas J. Sullivan

Age:

57

Town of Residence:

Montvale

Position Sought:

County Commissioner

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Family:

Husband to Jody Sullivam, three daughters Jadyn, Kenzie, and Kerrin.

Education:

Apprentice Electrician

Occupation:

IBEW Local 164 President, Bergen County Commissioner, BC Building, Trades President

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office because I truly care about the residents of Bergen County. Affordability for our families, making sure public safety is properly equipped with resources they need, expanding programs for veterans, and continuing to invest in infrastructure are all important to me,

What do you feel is the most important issue facing constituents, and what do you intend to do to repair or resolve it?

To me, making sure that Bergen County stays affordable for us and our families is imperative. Our 2022 holds the line on taxes and comes with no increase on the County portion of resident tax bills in 2022. On a home assessed at $500,000, the proposed budget would actually decrease the Bergen County portion of property taxes by $17.75.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Being a Union member myself, I understand the importance of making sure that people can provide for their families. I understand how important our labor unions are to the county, the state, and the entire country.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

This year's 2022 budget proposal kept taxes stable while investing in County infrastructure and increasing funding for education, mental health services, and services to seniors. Under this proposed budget, Bergen County will continue to have the second lowest County tax rate in New Jersey.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrates that you are the best candidate for this job?

I have served in local office as a Councilman in Bergenfield and Montvale, and I have served as a County Commissioner for seven years.I started out as an apprentice electrician. I became a Journeyman Electrician, and was subsequently elected Vice President of Local 164 in 2010, and President in 2013, a position I currently hold today. I have spearheaded Bergen County's shared services initiative, which has grown exponentially since I took office. We have passed minimal, or in some years zero percent tax increases in that same time span. We ended chronic homelessness in Bergen County, improved services for seniors and veterans, restored education funding to Bergen County High Schools and Community College, as well as expanded their capabilities. We also shepherded this county through one of the toughest times in human history during the pandemic, in which our county was one of the hardest hit in the nation.

Do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your positions?

Starting out as an apprentice electrician is where I learned the value of hard work and the opportunities it brings. I care deeply about making Bergen County a leader in education, economic opportunity, and quality of life