Somerset teachers back Marano, Russo

Somerset County’s teacher’s union backed Democrats for countywide office Friday.

“The Somerset County Education Association is proud to announce the endorsement of Melonie Marano for Somerset County Freeholder and Darrin Russo for Somerset County Sheriff,” SCEA president Dan Epstein said. “As educators, we recognize that the decisions made by elected officials have a profound impact on our students and public education, so it is critically important that educators become involved in the process and support candidates who will be advocates for our students, our schools and our profession.”

Marano is challenging Republican incumbent Pat Walsh in the county’s only freeholder race this year.

Russo faces North Plainfield police chief Bill Parenti in his bid to replace retiring Sheriff Frank Provenzano.

“Getting the endorsement of Somerset County’s teachers, the professionals who are most committed to our children and their education, is a great honor,” Marano said. “As Freeholder, I will move to expand the Vo Tech in partnership with our other public schools, and offer expanded opportunities for high school students to benefit from [Raritan Valley Community College].”