Rosemary Hernandez Carroll, a small business owner, will run with Emil Yitz Stern, a former deputy mayor of Teaneck, for the Democratic nomination in the 37th legislative district of Assembly.
The two are running in a crowded Democratic primary that also features Assemblywomen Ellen Park (D-Englewood Cliffs) and Shama Haider (D-Tenafly), two incumbents. The two stated in a statement that their platform covers public safety and infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, school finance, and assistance for small businesses.
In a press release, Stern stated, “We need leaders in Trenton who genuinely understand the everyday challenges of Bergen County families, from the cost of living to housing affordability and strong schools.” I didn’t make the decision to leave retirement lightly, but I think it’s essential to assist address the issues of our community. As we stand together for Bergen 37, Rosemary is the best companion there is.
The Assembly primary this year will be the first in decades to do away with the county line. A federal judge declared last year that the ballot system, which granted party-endorsed candidates a favorable position on ballots, was unlawful. As a result, numerous primary contenders are registering to run against party-affiliated candidates around the state.
Stern served as a commissioner on the New Jersey-Israel Commission and the NJ State Commission on Holocaust Education before joining the Bergen County Department of Public Safety as a budget officer.
According to the statement, Carroll, a realtor and resident of Hackensack, is the daughter of Dominican immigrants.
Carroll stated in the announcement, “As a realtor and community advocate, I witness firsthand how families are affected by rising housing costs and shrinking opportunities.” Being the daughter of Dominican immigrants, it means pursuing equitable opportunities and living conditions. Our goal in running is to guarantee that our district has capable, receptive leadership that is based on equity and opportunity. Together, we can ensure that Bergen County prospers for all of its citizens.
Tamar Warburg, a Teaneck Democratic leader and general counsel of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ, and Tenafly Councilman Dan Park are both running in the primary. Steven Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City and a contender for governor, is backing the two. Fulop is also backing Assembly primary opponents throughout the state.
Teaneck Mayor Mark Mendy Schwartz, previous Teaneck Mayors Elie Y. Katz and Paul Ostrow, Rabbi Daniel Fridman, the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee, and five current or former district municipal leaders have endorsed Stern and Carroll’s declaration.
The 37th has a strong Democratic stance. It is anticipated that the June primary winners will prevail in the November general election.
