5January 2021
CAMDEN, NJ-The freeholder title as of Jan. 1 has actually been formally changed with commissioner across New Jersey's 21 counties – a relocation an esteemed regional authorities is breathing a sigh of relief over.
“This change is long overdue to show the diversity in statewide public officeholders, and the desire of all county authorities to attract potential leaders from all walks of life,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young in a declaration. “In the coming days and weeks, our residents need to prepare to see modifications to the board's images and publications, and in addition to how we are described in regional media.”
Gov. Phil Murphy said last July it was “high time this name entered into the dustbin of history.” The change to the centuries-old term – that has been thought about outdated, complicated and racist – will not affect how the boards are run or chosen.
“As our nation take down symbols of injustice, we must also take apart words we use in New Jersey that were born from racism. It's past time for New Jersey to phase out the term ‘freeholder' — a term created when only white male landowners might hold public office,” Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, all Democrats, stated in a prepared declaration.
The Board of County Commissioners in Camden County makes up:
Louis Cappelli, Jr. – Director
Term– January 2021 through December 2023
Edward T. McDonnell – Deputy Director
Term– January 2020– December 2022
Jeffrey L. Nash
Term– January 2019– December 2021
Carmen G. Rodriguez
Term– January 2020– December 2022
Jonathan L. Young, Sr
Term– January 2021 through December 2023
Melinda Kane
Term– January 2019– December 2021
Al Dyer
Term– December 15, 2020– December 2021
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