News

The First Somerset County Commission Will Be All Blue, As Will All County Constitutional Officers Including Clerk, Sheriff, and Surrogate

Multiple media outlets and basic math have declared that Somerset County Democrats’ Tina Jalloh won the Surrogate race, and North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry and former Hillsborough Councilman Paul Drake won both Freeholder seats. This means that for the first time ever, every elected office in the Somerset County government is held by a Democrat.

“Four years ago when Steve Peter won the Clerk’s office, we made it a goal to expand our contributions to the county government and represent the growing diversity that is Somerset County,” said Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer. “Tina, Doug, and Paul join an already great team who will lead our County through this century and beyond.”

With about 80 percent of the votes counted, the Democratic candidates lead their race by more than 15,000 votes over their Republican challengers.  

“I want to thank the voters of Somerset County for their support in this election, and am humbled by their confidence in me as their Surrogate,” said Tina Jalloh, the Surrogate-elect. “The Surrogate works with residents at the most difficult times of their lives, and to be trusted with that is a great honor.”

Prior to 2017, no Democrat had won a county office since 1979, and prior to 2019 no Democrat had led the Board of Chosen Freeholders. The shift shows an awareness in the voting public that the old ways no longer work with the diverse, vibrant, forward-thinking communities that make up Somerset County.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, and put their faith in the Democratic Party to lead Somerset County,” said Freeholder-elect Drake. “We will work hard to continue our efforts to protect the environment, develop livable communities, and serve everyone in the county equally.”

“The people of Somerset County have spoken clearly over the past four elections, and I am grateful that they chose me to have a role in leading their county,” said North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry, now Freeholder-elect. “Freeholders Levine and Gallagher have served their communities for a long time, and I wish them nothing but the best and look forward to working with them in the future.”

“We are thrilled to have Tina, Paul and Doug join us at the County,” said Freeholder Director Shanel Robinson. “They, like those of us already in office, are committed to providing services with all Somerset County residents in mind.”

The Lord Stirling Stables are one of the jewels of the Somerset County Park System. I was as frustrated as many others to learn of the secret sales of our horses to private farms, without any public discussion or input.   This doesn’t lessen our commitment to the Stables and the benefits they provide for the community. 

We need to find new sources of revenue, such as the potential retail sale of composted horse manure, that allow us to maintain Lord Stirling as an oasis for so many residents of Somerset County, including those with special needs.  Here children and adults alike can learn about the environment and caring for animals and experience new and exciting opportunities for exercise and joy. 

Somerset County’s parks are special because they are so diverse, and provide so many opportunities for education, peaceful enjoyment, and healthy living.  We have to continue to protect our park resources, and ensure they are available for generations to come.  

Environmental, Labor, and Education Organizations Once Again Back Democrats to Lead Somerset County’s Future

Leading organizations fighting for the environment, good jobs at good wages, and a great education for our children have spoken with one voice: they support Democrats Paul Drake and Doug Singleterry for Freeholder in Somerset County.  

“Since the change in Somerset County’s government to Democratic leadership, they have taken on more issues when it comes to safeguarding the environment. This includes dealing with climate change, clean water, and expanding our parks. This endorsement commends the positive environmental changes we see happening in Somerset County” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, in endorsing Drake and Singleterry. 

The League of Conservation Voters joined in their praise of Somerset County’s Democratic leadership, and called for more in the coming years.  

“Most of the attention is on the Presidential election, but we realize when it comes to climate change action, safeguarding drinking water, reducing flooding, advancing environmental justice, preserving open space and parks, that a lot of the decisions are made at the local level. We want New Jerseyans to know which candidates support the environment,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey LCV. 

The labor movement also recognizes the importance of continuing to move Somerset County forward with experienced, strong Democrats who will build on the successes brought by: County Clerk Steve Peter, Freeholder Director Shanel Robinson, Freeholder Deputy Director Sara Sooy, Freeholder Melonie Marano, and Sheriff Darrin Russo.  SEIU32BJ and the Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Labor Council both came out with strong endorsements.

“Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Labor Council Support’s Paul Drake and Doug Singleterry for County Freeholders. They are dedicated to helping working families and creating good jobs for Somerset residents” said Wayne Martiak, President of the Middlesex-Somerset AFL-CIO Labor Council.

“Our members are confident that the candidates they have endorsed for the State legislature and in Monmouth and Somerset counties will champion measures that will support essential workers and their families, and help all our communities weather this difficult time,” said SEIU 32BJ Vice President and New Jersey State director Kevin Brown. 

On top of these announcements, the men and women who teach our children in this difficult time of remote learning, hybrid classrooms, and personal health risk also unanimously backed Drake and Singleterry. 

“We’re proud to support Paul Drake and Douglas Singleterry for Freeholder,” announced Dan Epstein, President, Somerset County Education Association. “We wholeheartedly believe they are the best candidates to support public education in Somerset County.”

“These endorsements are a reflection of our commitment to every community in Somerset County in all its economic, environmental, and demographic diversity,” said former Hillsborough Councilman Paul Drake. “When Doug and I take our seats in January on the Somerset County Board of Commissioners we will follow through on that commitment every day.”

“To have teachers, service workers, electrical workers, and environmentalists all speaking together in support of our candidacy is humbling,” said North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry. “Paul and I are going to honor these great organizations and their members by representing all of Somerset County as we continue the tradition of Democratic leadership.”

My great-grandmother Florence Stiles Anderson was born at a time when women did not have the right to vote. She understood the ramifications of not having a voice where decisions are being made and when the 19th Amendment passed in 1920 she registered to vote and showed up for every election. To her, voting was a responsibility not a choice. This value was passed down to my grandmother and my mother. When I turned 18, one of the first things I did was register to vote and – continuing the family tradition – I’ve never missed an election. My great-grandmother Florence Anderson instilled in me the sacredness of exercising your responsibility to vote. I realize that neither my great grandmother nor I would be able to vote without a dedicated group of women who persisted, who marched through the streets, and lobbied their elected representatives for what they knew was right. Their actions will echo through generations and by turning out to vote for each and every election I honor their sacrifice. 

The Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women is extremely proud to endorse candidate Bernice “Tina” Jalloh for the Somerset County Surrogate position in the upcoming November 3, 2020 election. 

Bernice “Tina” Jalloh’s campaign is focusing on bringing accessibility and compassion to the Somerset County Surrogate’s Office.

The job of Surrogate entails varied tasks. Surrogates probate wills, qualify executors, administrators, and trustees and issue necessary documents for administering estates. They also act as a custodian of the funds belonging to minors’ estates, oversee the minors’ assets and expenditures until the minors reach majority. In addition, they process mental competency documents and conservatorships and handle all adoptions of minors and adults.

Tina is currently serving as the Franklin Township Prosecutor and is a partner at her law firm, Jalloh & Jalloh LLC. She practices civil litigation, commercial and corporate transactions, wills and estate planning, as well as family law. This gives her the exact proficiency needed for the Surrogate job.

Bernice “Tina” Jalloh is the recipient of the 2019 Legal Services of New Jersey Equal Justice Award for her Pro Bono work in Surrogate Court and Family Court in New Jersey. Bernice lives in Franklin Township and is the Chairwoman of the Somerset County Democratic Committee Black Caucus.

Because of her experience and expertise surrounding both organizational and community matters, the Federation wholeheartedly endorses Bernice. She has been involved helping families navigate the courts, which is crucial for the Surrogate position. She continually demonstrates her willingness to work with the public, signifying her commitment to serve her constituents.

Considering her strength, skill, and fortitude in creating, maintaining and managing her legal practice, along with her experience and commitment to the people of Franklin Township and Somerset County, the SCFDW wholeheartedly endorses Bernice “Tina” Jalloh for Surrogate.

Seeing Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris standing on that stage together was a joy and is indicative of how the Democratic Party and our Nation are moving forward positively on issues of race and gender. Joe Biden has been a champion of civil rights issues for decades, and now we have a strong Black woman as his Vice Presidential nominee. Senator Kamala Harris has always fought to make a positive difference in the lives of the American people of all races, color, and economic groups.  As the Chairwoman of the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus, as well as a Black woman running on the Biden-Harris ticket, I could not be more excited to campaign through Election Day on November 3rd, to bring real, positive change for the American people and the people of Somerset County. — Tina Jalloh, 2020 candidate for Somerset County Surrogate and Chair of the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus. 

The Somerset County Education Association endorsed Democrats Paul Drake and Doug Singleterry for Freeholder in the upcoming November elections. Drake and Singleterry have made county support for public education a cornerstone of their campaigns, and this endorsement recognizes their commitment.

“We’re proud to support Paul Drake and Douglas Singleterry for freeholder,” said Dan Epstein, President, Somerset County Education Association. “We wholeheartedly believe they are the best candidates to support public education in Somerset County.”

“During the COVID-19 crisis, our students, schools and teachers are more valuable and vital than ever,” said Drake, who teaches part-time at Rutgers University and served on the Hillsborough Township Committee. “I am committed to bringing county resources and personnel such as park rangers, Sheriff’s officers, planners, and engineers into the classroom to provide insight into county government and help students make choices about their future careers.”

“It is vital that elected officials listen to the views of educators who are on the front line of educating students, especially with the added risk of coronavirus,” said Singleterry, a North Plainfield Councilman and attorney. “One of the first things I will do after being sworn in next January is to visit our great Vo Tech and meet with the educators personally. I will also make myself available for regular conferences with the educational community to keep track of progress and hear their views and concerns firsthand.”