Bergen Co. Commissioner Appointed To Fill Vacant Seat

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A new Bergen County commissioner was sworn in to fill the seat vacated by Ramon Hache, who recently resigned to accept the appointment as CEO of Ridgewood YMCA.

Rafael Marte, who was nominated at the Democratic Committee of Bergen County's Convention on March 9, was sworn in Wednesday to replace Hache, who resigned March 1 to "avoid any conflicts with the (YMCA's) policies regarding political activities," official sources said.

Marte will complete the unexpired term of Hache, who was elected in November 2020 to the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. He will also seek to be elected for a full three-year term in the November election, a county spokesperson said.

"I am excited and honored to be part of a team that’s so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our nearly one million residents," Marte said in a statement. "Together, we can accomplish great things and build an even stronger future for Bergen County families.”

A Bergenfield resident of 28 years and now-former councilman, Marte has had a "long history of public service," including serving as a case manager for the Westchester Department of Social Services for nearly 30 years, a county spokesperson said.

Marte had first served on the Bergenfield Council in 2013, when he was selected to replace former Councilman and Mayor Carlos Aguasvivas, and was elected to his first full term in 2017. He was serving his second term on the council when he was nominated as commissioner.

“We are thrilled to have Rafael join us on the Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Chairman Tom Sullivan, who swore in Marte. “He brings us a fresh perspective and years of experience as a social worker and public servant. We look forward to utilizing his expertise and working together to advocate for the residents of Bergen County.”

Marte, a husband and father of four, joins the six other commissioners, all of whom are also Democrats.

“I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rafael earlier this week and am very excited to welcome him to the Board of Commissioners,” Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco (D) said. “Commissioner Marte brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to our governing body and I look forward to working together as we continue to put our residents first and move Bergen County forward.”