Thomas Adamo, a 28-year law enforcement officer, has won the endorsement of the Passaic County Democratic organization and will face former Sheriff Jerry Speziale in the June primary to replace Richard Berdnik, who died in January.
Adamo, a Sherriff’s Department chief, was picked over five other Democrats who sought party support at a screening committee meeting this morning: former Paterson Public Safety Director Safety Glenn Brown, who briefly ran for mayor in 2018; Paul Cell, the chief of the Montclair State University Police Department with 42 years of law enforcement experience; Mike Kassai, a former Elmwood Park police captain; and Thomas Marinaro, a former Bloomingdale councilman and Democratic municipal chairman who served as chairman of Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence.
Speziale served as sheriff from 2002 to 2010, when he resigned to take a top post at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He is currently the Paterson police director.
Democratic County Chairman John Currie sharply criticized Speziale’s comeback bid.
“Jerry Speziale’s history of political opportunism and betrayal is well-documented. He has shown a disregard for our party’s values and the democratic process itself. We cannot allow his divisive agenda to gain traction in Passaic County,
Currie said. “Together, we will defend the integrity of our party and ensure that Passaic County continues the progress in improving the quality of life for all of our residents and families. Let us stand united in support of Thomas and our Democratic candidates.”
Adamo, a former corrections officer whose late father was a three-term Republican freeholder, will join incumbents John Bartlett and Sani Lazzara, and newcomer Rodney DeVore, on the Democratic organization line.
Speziale’s campaign
“While Jerry Speziale was working hard knocking on doors and helping elect Democrats in Passaic County in numerous campaigns over the last three decades, his opponent Thomas Adamo was a registered Republican,” said Sofia Quintanar, a spokesperson for Speziale.
Republicans have not yet selected their candidate.