Sacco and his slate of four commissioners ran unopposed in the May 8 election.
Sacco was first sworn in as a member of the North Bergen Board of Commissioners in 1985 and has been the mayor since 1991. In North Bergen's form of government, one of the commissioners also serves as mayor.
Right now, Sacco will face a much more hotly-contested campaign to keep his state Senate seat in the June 5 Democratic primary.
Goals for next term
Tuesday, Mayor Sacco stood before the crowd, with Hudson County Superior Court Judge Peter Barriso administering the oath.
"It's been seven times I've stood on these steps [including first as a commissioner]," said Sacco. He was there with his parents, his son Nicholas, and his son's fiancée. "Some still remember the first one. Some weren't even here. But no one ever dreamed that this day would take place, that I would be standing here after all this time. No one ever dreamed that there could be such a thing as an uncontested election in North Bergen."
After Sacco and his four loyal commissioners each took their respective oaths, they held a quick reorganization meeting. Technically, the newly elected commissioners are supposed to select the mayor from among themselves, but everyone in the area code knew their choice would be Sacco.
The other decisions at the meeting were not much of a surprise.
Commissioner Frank Gargiulo, who is second in terms of longevity behind Sacco, is in charge of the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Theresa Ferraro heads the Department of Public Safety, Commissioner Hugo Cabrera is in charge of finance, and Commissioner Allen Pascual remains atop the Department of Parks and Recreation.
That's been the organization setup since Pascual was selected to replace the deposed Peter Perez as commissioner in 2002, after Perez had to resign because of his alleged involvement with illegal activity with a township contractor.
Sacco and the current Board of Commissioners survived a lengthy Federal Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged corruption that brought down several members of Sacco's administration, but he was not publicly mentioned in connection with it.
A new day
Now, nearly two years later, Sacco and his current Board of Commissioners are more powerful than ever. They will get the next four years to work with literally billions on tap in terms of commercial and residential development throughout and with transportation infrastructure changes on the horizon.
On the residential side, River Road is booming with construction activity, which will bring millions of new tax ratable funds to the town. Commercially, the Vornado shopping center off Tonnelle Avenue is already underway and will bring many of the nation's top retail stores to the area within the next year.
While the widening of Tonnelle Avenue continues to cause current traffic headaches, the construction should be completed within the next year and will pave the way for perhaps the most important transportation project on tap - the long-awaited and anticipated overpass at 69th Street and Tonnelle.
"This commission is outstanding," Sacco said. "I never have to worry about any of the town departments, because I know that they are all being taken care of responsibly by our commissioners. They all do a great job in governing the town and I'm pleased to work with them."
Commissioners continue their work
Gargiulo thanked the audience and the voters for getting another term of office. The lone Republican on the board, Gargiulo also serves as the superintendent of schools for the Hudson County Schools of Technology.
"I'm grateful to have the chance to serve this community," Gargiulo said. "It's a special place to work and a special place to live."
Gargiulo also praised Sacco.
"I know Nick gets a lot of attention and accolades, but he deserves them," Gargiulo said. "He's our leader. He has great vision for the future. A leader with no vision is not a leader at all."
Ferraro, who gained election in 1999, began her third term last week. "I will commit myself to always pursuing the high standards," Ferraro said. "I will do my utmost to serve to the best of my ability. It's a prestigious honor to serve as a commissioner."
Cabrera, who was also elected for the first time in 1999, took the oath with his wife, son and two daughters by his side.
"I have to thank my family, because if I didn't mention them, they would kill me," said Cabrera, who serves full-time as the secretary for the Board of Education. "I'm fortunate to be part of a great time and I'm fortunate to be given the opportunity to continue to work hard for North Bergen for the next four years."
Pascual, who is a vice-principal at North Bergen High School, took the oath with his family holding the Bible.
"It's been an honor and pleasure to serve and it will be my honor to serve for the next four years," Pascual said.
After the ceremony was completed and the reorganization meeting was done, Sacco treated his constituents to a free lunch. After all, what else would make a day like Tuesday complete?
Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at either OGSMAR@aol.com or jhague@hudsonreporter.com
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