Kern to helm Association of Counties

The New Jersey Association of Counties will swear in Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III as president on Friday, the association announced. 

Kern, a Republican, was elected mayor of Pohatcong in 2011 and sworn in at the age of 22, making him one of the state’s youngest mayors in history. Kern first won the county commissioner seat in 2018.

“I look forward to leading this exceptional organization as it continues to serve as a steadfast advocate and trusted resource for county governments across the State, with a unified, solution-driven, and nonpartisan approach to solving critical issues such as the diversion of 911 fees, homelessness, health benefits reform, and much more,” Kern said.

Kern will succeed Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Y. Robison as president.

On Friday, the association will swear in Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella as first vice president, Monmouth County Commissioner Dominick DiRocco as second vice president, and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur as secretary-treasurer.

“As Garden State residents continue to struggle with paying the highest property taxes in the nation, county governments are uniquely positioned to deliver essential services to those in need in a more cost-effective manner, and I look forward to working with the Association’s outstanding executive team and board members to alleviate this overwhelming burden,” Kern said.