Marte takes office as newest Bergen County commissioner

The newest member of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners was sworn in today to complete an unexpired term.

Rafael Marte will serve through the remainder of the year to fill the vacant seat of Ramon Hache (D-Ridgewood), who resigned last month to become the CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA.  He was unopposed in a special election convention to fill the unexpired term.

Marte said he was “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.”

“Together, we can accomplish great things and build an even stronger future for Bergen County families,” he said.

Bergen County Democrats are also backing Marte to run for a full three-year term in the November general election on a ticket with Commissioner Joan Voss (D-Fort Lee).

“We are thrilled to have Rafael join us on the Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Chairman Tom Sullivan.  “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 resigned his seat on the Bergenfield Borough Council to become a county commissioner.  Local Democrats must now fill his seat.

Before his retirement in 2019, Marte spent nearly 30 years as a social worker for the Westchester Department of Social Services. He is the founder of the Dominican Cultural Association of New Jersey.

“I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rafael earlier this week and am very excited to welcome him to the Board of Commissioners,” said Jim Tedesco, the Bergen County Executive.  “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.”