Armando Fontoura, who will retire tomorrow evening after 34 years as the Essex County Sheriff, has endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) for the Democratic nomination for governor.
“I’ve been in law enforcement for nearly 60 years, so I’ve seen up close what real leadership and a productive partnership with Trenton looks like,” said Fontoura. “That’s why I’m endorsing Mikie Sherrill to be New Jersey’s next governor — she has what it takes to cut through red tape and truly make life better for the people of this state.”
Fontoura, an enormously strong vote-getter in his eleven countywide campaigns, praised Sherrill, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, as the only candidate with a law enforcement background.
“Here in Essex County, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Mikie. Having served as a federal prosecutor, she understands what justice means and the responsibility to keep our communities safe,” he said. “That’s the type of leadership we need in Trenton — no-nonsense, just focused on results that serve the people.”
Now the longest-serving sheriff in New Jersey – that title will now shift to Salem County’s Chuck Miller, who will begin his seventh term this week – Fontoura applauded Sherrill’s efforts as a congresswoman from Essex County to secure almost $2 million in federal funds for license plate readers to reduce auto thefts, and to secure an increase in funding for the hiring and training of more law enforcement officers under the federal COPS Program.
“Mikie consistently listens to concerns from constituents and local elected officials — and then she fights like hell to get the job done,” said Fontoura.
Fontoura spent five years as undersheriff until becoming acting sheriff in 1991 after Thomas D’Alessio gave up the post to become Essex County Executive. He was elected in 1991 and re-elected ten times by massive margins. He retired as a Newark police captain in 1986 to join the sheriff’s department.
Essex County Sheriff-elect Amir Jones, who takes office on January 1, has already endorsed Sherrill.
Sherrill is one of three Essex County Democrats running for governor, along with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller. Also in the race are Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.