Warren County Commissioner James Kern sworn in as president of New Jersey Association of Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III was sworn in Monday as the 85th president of the New Jersey Association of Counties during a ceremony in the Senate chambers at the State House.

Kern is the second Warren County resident to lead the statewide organization, which advocates for county governments, following former Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, who headed the group in 2012.

“I look forward to leading this exceptional organization as it continues to serve as a steadfast advocate and trusted resource for county governments across the State, with a unified, solution-driven, and nonpartisan approach to solving critical issues such as the diversion of 911 fees, homelessness, health benefits reform, and much more,” Commissioner Kern said.

State Sen. Douglas Steinhardt administered the oath of office. Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Y. Robison, the outgoing NJAC president, swore in the board of directors and executive officers, including Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella as first vice president, Monmouth County Commissioner Dominick DiRocco as second vice president and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur as secretary-treasurer. Robison remains on the board as immediate past president.

“As Garden State residents continue to struggle with paying the highest property taxes in the nation, county governments are uniquely positioned to deliver essential services to those in need in a more cost-effective manner, and I look forward to working with the Association’s outstanding executive team and board members to alleviate this overwhelming burden,” Kern said.

“NJAC represents the only true regional form of government in our state – and when counties speak with one voice, Trenton listens,” Kern remarked.

NJAC said it will continue advocating for legislation, regulations and policy directives it says help counties operate more efficiently and effectively. Kern also highlighted his Warren County roots during remarks to those gathered in the chamber.

Kern told the crowd assembled in the Senate chambers that he was proud to be there representing Warren County, which he noted “is home to the Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey’s winningest high school football program, and M&Ms. It’s our state’s beautiful northwest pocket, filled with patriotic town names like Liberty, Independence, and Hope. That spirit of patriotism runs deep – and it’s fitting as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Out of all 21 counties in New Jersey, only two are named after Revolutionary War heroes: Mercer County, where we are today, named after Hugh Mercer who died at the battle of Princeton, and Warren County where I’m from— named for Dr. Joseph Warren, a patriot who gave his life at the Battle of Bunker Hill. It’s an interesting coincidence and a powerful reminder that public service and patriotism has always been part of New Jersey’s DNA.”

Learn more about the association at www.njac.org.