Essex County Freeholder Leonard M. Luciano (above, left) has filed petition signatures seeking reelection to his third term.
“I am humbled to serve as freeholder since 2011 representing the 11 North and West Essex communities,” Luciano said. “During my tenure, Essex County Parks continue to blossom, our recreation and service programs for children, families, and seniors are flourishing, and our bond rating has been upgraded to Double A. In addition, we have completed many infrastructure road and bridge projects ensuring motorists safety throughout the county.”
Luciano was selected in August 2011 to fill an unexpired term as District IV Freeholder. He was elected to his first full term in November of 2011 and then re-elected in 2014. District IV includes Verona as well as Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Roseland, West Caldwell and West Orange. Luciano is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket. Livingston West Orange resident Adam Kraemer has filed to run as a Republican. He challenged Luciano unsuccessfully in 2014.
A freeholder is a county-level official in New Jersey, a position that dates back to the state’s first constitution in 1776. The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders includes five freeholders who represent specific groups of towns, called districts, and four freeholders-at-large. Freeholders are generally regarded as the point-people for constituent issues and also have oversight over the county budget and infrastructure.
Note: Adam Kraemer is a resident of West Orange. A previous version of this story had his residency in another town.
