Bergen County Board Of Commissioners Candidate Profile: Dierdre Paul

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.

Dierdre Paul is one of the three Republican candidates running for a seat on the Board of Commissioners. She is facing two other Republican challengers and three Democratic incumbents.

Here are Paul's responses:

Name:

Dierdre G. Paul

Age:

N/A

City of Residence:

Englewood

Position Sought:

Bergen County Commissioner

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Family:

2 adult children and a granddaughter

Education:

Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY; M.Ed., Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY; M.Ed., Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY; BA, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Occupation:

Professor/Author

Why are you running for this office?

I usually start my day by thinking about the many Bergen County families that continue to sit around their kitchen tables and worry about how they will make ends meet in a Biden economy. Then, I contrast those pained faces with the relieved expressions on the faces of County Executive Tedesco’s inner circle that received $1.4 million in Covid-related bonuses. I feel anger on behalf of those families, and I believe the anger is understandable as well as justified because this unfair contrast sends the wrong message about County government.

Bergen County government should be here to assist and serve the people of Bergen County. But it presently lacks transparency, and it isn’t responsive to the needs of its residents. Bergen County residents deserve so much better. I believe that I can deliver County government that is honest, transparent, and responsive. That’s the reason that I decided to run for this office.

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

There isn’t a single issue. There are 3 issues. They are the rising costs of living in Bergen County, the escalating crime rate, and education/school safety for constituents’ children. The rising costs have led many seniors to consider leaving their beloved County where they raised their families and greatly contributed to the success of their local communities. And there are Bergen college graduates who want to return home post-degree. But they simply can’t afford to.

Escalating crime has hit every corner of Bergen County. It has resulted in more carjackings and home invasions in places like Franklin Lakes and Saddle River and more murders and attempted murders in Lodi and Englewood. Regarding education/school safety, I can go nowhere on the campaign trail without hearing from parents who want to know what the schools are doing to help their children recover from profound, Covid-related learning loss, and how they will keep them safe from a Uvalde-style, active shooter situation. These are the concerns that are foremost in Bergen voters’ minds right now.

So, how can I help? By asking probing questions about County spending practices and making sure that each penny is spent wisely. I am a wise steward of my family’s resources, and I will bring that same skillset to County Government. Being a wise fiscal steward has been one of the skills I was forced to develop as a single mom for more than 26 years. I will also truly listen to constituents and provide them regular opportunities to make their concerns known to me. And lastly, by working with like-minded partners at the County, state, and federal levels, I will assist in coming up with commonsense solutions to these problems.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I think there are more similarities shared between the other candidates and myself than there are differences. For example, we are all good, decent people who love our families, Bergen County, and this country. We have all answered the call for public service and we all want to improve life for Bergen County constituents. But here’s the most consequential difference. My Democratic opponents have had six (6) years to fulfill their campaign promises to Bergen voters and they have failed. County taxes rose every year during their tenure, except for the present one when they are up for re-election. The county has made it all the way to the New Jersey Supreme Court for violating the state’s “no bid contract” law. Especially during this most difficult financial period for all Americans, Bergen County residents deserve much better, more effective representation at the County level.

And there is one more thing that separates me from other candidates. In the history of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, there has never been a Black woman whose been duly elected. In fact, prevailing political wisdom has suggested that it would be nearly impossible for a Black woman to receive a plurality of votes in Bergen County. Further, I was the first Black woman nominated by either major political party for this office and an even greater surprise is specific to the fact that I was nominated by Bergen County’s Republican Party. My candidacy in emblematic of Lincoln’s Big Tent Party, as well as the vision of current and past GOP Chairmen and the over 1000 elected County Committee members who have so enthusiastically supported my candidacy thus far. And I want to be exceedingly clear, the decision to run me was no political ploy. It was validation of and respect for “Dierdre” as a person and a candidate.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

Another thing that has greatly concerned me over the course of the incumbents’ tenure has been that all municipalities in Bergen County do not receive the same consideration. Representation for more than 15 years has been slanted away from municipalities like Teaneck, Englewood, and Hackensack. It is time to restore balance and equity to ensure that all Bergen County residents are well served regardless of where they live.

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

I am going to push back on this question’s wording as I do not accept the premise that I am “better” than others. My skillset makes me different and reflects that difference. Additionally, I am a lot like most residents in Bergen County as a divorced single mom of 2 adult children; a grandmother; a daughter; a sister; a full professor & published author; a homeowner; a person of deep faith; a breast cancer survivor; a person living & campaigning with osteoarthritis; and a strong Republican woman.

I cherish life and try to spend my time in impactful ways. For instance, as a career educator. I have invested 37 years as a public-school teacher and a professor at a state, public university that proudly serves many first-generation college students and with a proven history as a leader. I have served as a department chairperson, pre-college reading program coordinator, and union president and I did all these things while maintaining my parenting as a central focus.

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

Yes, I really want to serve as THEIR Commissioner. I will remember that they elected me and strive to make them proud they did so each day that I am in office.