Passaic County Democrats will hold a special convention on August 5 to select a candidate to run in November for the unexpired term of County Commissioner John Bartlett, who resigned last month to become the general counsel of the Gateway Development Corporation.
Democratic County Chairman John Currie has set a deadline of July 15 at 5 PM for interested candidates to file a letter of interest and submit their resume.
“Our organization has always believed in an open, thoughtful, and transparent process,” Currie said. “We encourage qualified individuals who are interested in serving the people of Passaic County to come forward and participate.”
Currie said he is encouraging citizens committed to public service and Democratic values to take part in the process.
“We encourage anyone interested in public service and committed to Democratic values to participate,” Currie stated. “Passaic County has benefited from dedicated public servants for generations, and we look forward to considering individuals who want to continue that tradition.”
Possible candidates include former Deputy County Administrator Mark Semon of Wayne, Haledon Councilwoman Aleksandra Tasic, Little Falls Councilwoman Christina Hablitz, and former Paterson Deputy Mayor Daria Taskin, who ran against the organization on a slate headed by Jerry Speziale in 2024.
The winner will serve the remainder of Bartlett’s term, which ends on December 31, 2027. Republicans have not announced the date of their special election. The deadline is August 27.
Democrats elected Clifton Democratic Club President Nick Veliky to serve as the interim county commissioner until the results of the November special election are certified. Veliky won the Democratic nomination for a three-year term in June 2 primary. He is running with incumbent Orlando Cruz. Incumbent Bruce James is not seeking re-election.
Veliky will need to leave the Board of County Commissioners in late November; if he wins the general election, he will return in January.