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Welcome to the June 23rd, 2026 Board of County Commissioners regular meeting. And this will be not a regular meeting at all. But with that said, uh can we start with the roll call, please? County

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Commissioners Bartlett here, D'vor here, James, Remagalia here, Schratz here, >> Deputy Director Cruz here, Director Lozer >> here. Could we have an announcement of the open public meeting law? >> Ladies and gentlemen, the notice requirement of the open public meetings law has been satisfied with respect to

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this meeting specifying the time, date, and location, including the reorganization meeting. Um, I'm sorry. Included in the annual notice adopted in the reorganization being filed with the county clerk, posted in the administration building, and mailed to two newspapers in accordance with the

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provisions of the law. Uh, just just so you know, >> he's not here. >> Okay. Commissioner D'vor, could you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance?

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>> Anyone stand and Please flag. Ice to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> At this point, can I have a moment of

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silence to remember all the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to move the approval of the minutes from June 9th, 2026?

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>> So moved. D'Vor second. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Vermagalia, >> yes. >> Trz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. Yes. Director Lazar. >> Yes. I have a motion to approve the proclamations.

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>> So moved. >> D'vor Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia. >> Yes. >> Ratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. And at this point, I'll turn this over to our administrator, M Jordan.

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>> Oh, thank you, director. and I will turn it back over to you as our mistress of ceremonies for our celebration of Commissioner Bartlett and his distinguished career on this board. So, welcome everyone.

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We're going to have um a recognition of uh Commissioner John Bartlett. Uh for those he served 14 years on the board first as a freeholder, then the name got changed commissioner. Uh for those who know me pretty well, I

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don't like when people leave. So, this is not an easy uh >> thing to do, >> especially since, you know, when I first ran in 2015, it was with John and Hector Laura.

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2018, it was John Assad and Danielle. 2021, it was John Assad, Zoa, and of course, I've been on all these. And most recently in 2024, it was John Rodney, our sheriff Tommy Adamo, and myself.

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So, we've run four campaigns together, and during that time, we've become very close because we were able to run things past each other. You know, I remember Kar growing up. I

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remember John coming and talking about when you were going to go to high school and you know we had that discussion about what high school would be best and we came to the conclusion the two of us that the high school that would make Kar most happy would be the

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best high school for him and it was correct you exceeded we've been through a pandemic together under the toutelage of our administrator at that time Tony Denova you know we went through a couple of hard years during

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that pandemic. Um, and you'll see pictures of us with our masks on and being out there. But long story short, you know, and then we went through that transition from being freeholders to commissioners. So, we

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have seen a lot of change in this county and we've weathered this together because there's nothing like having a team. You know, we always say here in Pay County, PAT County Board of Commissioners has such a unique team in that we respect each other and we get

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along and we really do like each other. So, this is not an easy night, but we'll get through this. And I would just like to invite Father Gino up with some comforting words for all of us because we are certainly going to miss John.

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>> Give me a hug. Come on. beautiful words. Um, I just want to thank you for inviting me to be a part of this and for Commissioner John Bartlett. It's truly an honor. But also, John is my friend. And over the last

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eight years, there hasn't been a time when I've picked up the phone to call him, to ask him a question. What would be best for the people of our county, the people of our city? And it was always an answer. And even John, when

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your dad was really struggling and you were dealing with that loss and that hurt, you still put the people first all the time. No matter what you were carrying inside your heart, you never let anyone know. And we would sit down

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in your chamber and I said, "Wow." As I was listening to you, I said, "This is a wonderful a holy man who we are so blessed to have lead us in the county." So, we are going to miss you. I'm going to miss you in this

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building. But we're also really excited for you in this next chapter of your life because boy, you're going to have a few fights on your hands. But you got this and you got all of us. Because just because you're moving on to

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a new chapter in your life and in the life of your beautiful family, you're taking and bringing all of us with you because of the friendships you have formed in being a selfless leader in this county for so many years. So, it's

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an honor for me to get to say the opening invocation. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Heavenly Father, as we gather here, people of different races, different

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religions, we are all here because we desire to serve the people of this county and the people of our great state. But we're here today to ask you, oh heavenly father,

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to strengthen John Bartlett in his new quest, his new adventure to bring goodness to our tri-state area. Bless him with strength and courage, with wisdom to always

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choose right and no wrong. bless his beautiful family, especially his son who leaves on mission for a year. Keep them always in your care as John and his family are always in our hearts. In the name of the Father and the Son

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and the Holy Spirit. Amen. >> Thanks, John. Thank you. At this time, I'd like to invite Michael Murphy up, Esquire, longtime associate with John at the law firm of Murphy, Orlando.

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>> May the court. >> Good evening. Asalamaikum >> and uh am I missing my Oh, namaste. >> I uh it's it's such a privilege and an honor to be here because John is

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not just my law partner of many years at Murphy Orlando, but a dear and close personal friend as is his family. At one time we discussed that our firm is Murphy Orlando M and O and uh we we

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wanted to see if John would agree to lend his name which be M O but he said I don't want to be a mob lawyer. you know, uh, in the, uh, Washington regime, DEI has fallen out of favor, but not in

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the Bartlett and Yoshi family. uh who when you think of diversity, equity and inclusion I look before me and see Kiati and Khadar both whom of whom I consider personal friends really

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family been invited to their home for Diwali. Uh I'm partial to Indian food. So even if I didn't enjoy the company which I do I I would be there just for the food. Now I'm a uh I'm I'm a recovering politician. I was uh I used

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to be the county prosecutor. I was a waterfront commissioner. I was a candidate for governor. Other uh other things, but as my brother, my late brother Brian who was the county executive in Mercer County used to say, he says, he was the successful politician in the family. But I stand

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before you a former somebody, a current has been, but a continuing wannabe. John uh John was selected among many many candidates for the position that he's about to take Gateway the largest public works project in the country

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because of his skill and because he commands the intersection between politics and law. I mean, he's a brilliant lawyer. Uh, Brown undergraduate, Harvard Law School, and a lot of people who went to Harvard, made friends with

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different different folks who were there. But a great member of Congress from Southern California, Katie Porter became one of his one of his uh closest friends. Katie Porter was the conscience of the last Congress, a brilliant woman

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who has a bright future, as does John. And it's not inappropriate today, just a couple of days after Father's Day, that I share a story that some of you may have heard, others may not have, but John's father was a Stanford trained

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medical doctor, a PhD who could have gone anywhere and done anything, but he was in central Pennsylvania. John might correct me, but it was the eastern part of the state. And John would saddle up with dad on

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many occasions in his Mercedes, no Cadillac, no in his pickup truck. And John would ride shotgun while his dad went out into the countryside and uh and helped families, some of whom just didn't have the wherewithal to pay

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for a house call. So he would take eggs, fruit, an agreement to do a little work around the house. And I think that speaks it tells us who John is as an individual. He cares about everybody and

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he learned that from his father. I'm going to tell you a little story about myself. My first year of law school, my late biologically stepfather, but my father was Richard J. Hughes, governor of the state of New Jersey and later our chief justice. And uh similarly we were

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getting off the train at Newark airport and he was heading to his law office. This is between his two public jobs, governor and chief justice. And uh on the platform we saw former congressman Peter Redino who was the chairman of the

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House Judiciary Committee when when um Richard Nixon was impeached. And my father stopped. He says, "Oh, let's Hey, look, it's Pete Redino." when he went over and he introduced me and he said, "Mike's going to law school. I was going to Satan Hall Law in Newark and a few pleasantries." We went down to the

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lobby, he saw his predecessor, Governor Bob Miner, and you know the same thing. And then we're walking up McCarter Carter Highway and there's somebody walking down and I could sense from dad that there was a recognition between the two. This this gentleman wasn't dressed

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up for Congress or for a law office or for court. He was uh he had work boots on, Carheart jacket, cap. And he stopped. He said, "Anthony, how are you?" And he says, "I'm great, Governor. How are you?" He says, "Good, good." He says, "Maria, the kids, how are they?"

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He says, "They're great. How about your family?" They had my son Mike, you know, he got all these kids, you know, 10 of them. He says, "You know what I always say?" He says, "I got home from the state house the other day and I said to Betty, "How are the kids doing?" She says, "Tough day, Dick. Your kids and my kids been fighting with our kids." But,

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uh, I turned to him afterwards and I said, "Who was that guy?" And he says, "He owned the little candy shop at the courthouse in Elizabeth, you know, candy and newspapers and cigarettes." But the warmth of that welcome was the

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exact same as it was for a governor and a member of Congress. And John's warmth, his personal warmth from his father as it was from mine was equally impressive. There's nobody better than or worse than

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anybody in this great county or in this great state. So John's you know about his academic achievements you Brown and Harvard that he's one of the most brilliant writers in the in the legal world but his his true gift is his

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caring about each and every person in this room beyond this room and throughout this state in the tri-state region. It's been an honor and a privilege to work with John and know him for these many years. Congratulations my friend. Thank you, Murf. At this time, I'd like

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to invite up David Bren from the NJTPA. Well, I'm really, really pleased that I was invited to say a few words about Commissioner Bartlett here tonight. Um, you know, we're here in the Pose County Administration Building and rest assured that uh during his time on the board of

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the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority or NJTPA for short, he has been a great advocate for your county, for transportation safety projects, for economic development projects related to transportation. Really, everything you can think of. And I'm sure you probably

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don't need to hear that from me because while the NJTPA isn't the most well-known organization, if you've been listening to John Bartlett over the years, you know who the NJTPA is and what we do. Um, we bring federal dollars to work on local projects as well as

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state projects. And um, he's really been a, like I said, he's been a great advocate for the county, but I think he's also been a great advocate for the entire North Jersey region, which consists of 13 counties and the state. Um, I remember when he was chair of our board, he was insisting that he needed to write an op-ed about it, the

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importance of the Gateway Tunnel and the Hudson River Tunnel and that project and how it was so vital to our region. So, I kind of feel that the position that you're going into now, it sort of all it all sort of all comes together and I really can't think of a better person for that job. And, um, we we said

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goodbye to Commissioner Bartlett at our recent committee meeting. And, uh, what I said there, I'll repeat. I'll say on behalf of the the whole board of the NJTPA of trustees, which I I'm always proud to say is a very well functioning bipartisan board that a lot of other political bodies could learn some

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valuable lessons from. Um, you know, I said I I I've said thank you on behalf of the board, on behalf of the the staff of the NJTPA and and just personally, um, Commissioner Bartlett's always been very supportive. Uh, I like to say that when he was the chair, uh, he did a really good job leading the executive

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director search. Um but uh but I can tell you but as I can say when he when he joined that board which is really the pretty much the entire time you've been a a Paya County Commissioner uh he hit the ground running and he didn't look back and he's he's done an awful lot to bring a lot of

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really important projects a lot of federal dollars put it to work on county projects and uh it's it's really been um great to work with him and and I'm sure I'll be working with him and talking to him about federal transportation funding in his new role. And as I look out in the audience, I do have to recognize one person, and I'm sorry if there's other

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past board members here, but I do see Pat Laor who uh who did serve on our board um prior to Commissioner Bartlett. So, I'd like to thank him as well. So, uh thanks everybody and and thank you, Commissioner Bartlett. >> Thank you. And at this time, I'd like to

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invite our county administrator, Matthew Jordan, up for some remarks. Uh, good evening. Um, tonight I have the honor to recognize the important role Commissioner Barlay played in the creation and growth of the Friends of Pay County Parks. From before his time

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as a freeholder and commissioner, he helped establish the friends and served as its chairman. At the time it was a concept, but his work and outside the box thinking helped turn the friends into important part of the transformation of the P County park system. Since he helped create the

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friends, we've secured $4 million in grant funding, raised $2 million in private funding, all that went directly towards park improvement projects and programming in the P County park system. Notable projects funded by the friends include the day mansion kitchen garden,

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the day mansion forge restoration, the day mansion visitor center exhibitions. You can tell our director of culture and historic affairs played some part in directing that funding. the Lambert Tower site improvements, the Rifle Camp Park amphitheater renovation, the Ray Avenue Ballfield renovations, the Vander

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House site improvement projects, Skyler Kfax House site improvement projects, the Goffbrook Park north corridor improvement project, the Park Commission exhibition at Lambert Castle, the Camp Hope inclusive program, and the Pnness Valley Golf Course putting green

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restoration. This $6 million infusion of outside funding has been integral to the improvements to the P County park system and the friends now play a vital role in funding projects and programming in large part because of his leadership. On behalf of the friends of P County Parks

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Board of Trustees, thank you for your service and good luck in the next chapter of your career. Next, we have a presentation of congressional record. I'd like to ask Abigail Rojos to come up representing

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Congresswoman Nelly Po. Good evening everyone. I'm Abigail Roas representing Congresswoman Nelly Poe. On behalf of the congresswoman, it is my honor to present a congressional record to P

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County Commissioner John Bartlett in recognition of his dedicated service to the residents of P County. Commissioner Bartlett's commitment to improving in transportation infrastructure and bringing resources to Pay County greatly

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strengthen communities of all backgrounds throughout the county. This congressional record will be preserved in the Library of Congress permanently, serving as a lasting recognition of his contributions to the county. And I want

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to read a sentence that really caught my eye on this record, and it reads, "Commissioner John W. Bartlett embodies the very best of public service, combining highlevel policy expertise

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with grassroots empathy. Congratulations and thank you for your service. At this time, I'd like to invite our uh county clerk who was one of our um candidates in 2018 that John and I

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ran with and she'd like to share some remarks. Danielle Good evening everyone. So, one of the things I love most about this world of public service is the really special shared memories and experiences that you develop when you

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have great colleagues. As director Lazara just mentioned, I was part of the county campaign team back in 2018 with Director Lazara, Commissioner Bartlett, and Assad Octar. And when you are running on a county campaign, you spend

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a lot of time with each other going all over Pay County for months and months and months. So, you really get to know your teammates in a very uh different and unique way. Now, I knew John before 2018, but I didn't know him as well as I

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do now and as well as I got to know him throughout that 2018 campaign. And what I first saw was that he is a stickler for preparedness. Now, there's something there's an annual event that we do usually when you're campaigning and that's the Peruvian Heritage Parade.

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Some of you might be familiar with that parade. It's a very long parade, close to five miles. And so, here we are the morning of this parade. It starts in the city of Payic, ends in the city of Patterson. And I look over at John. We're about to step off in the parade. I look over and I see John doing these

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really athletic um dynamic warm-up moves and stretches. And it was like we were about to run the New York City Marathon. So, I said to myself, "Oh my gosh, I didn't realize I was supposed to be doing all these stretches before the parade." But you know, it was that moment that I

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saw the preparedness that John brings into every aspect of his service to Pay County, his care for our constituents, the dedication that he brings. That's part of what has made him so special and so successful in his role as county commissioner. There are two things that

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I will always remember about our time together as colleagues. The first is Commissioner Bartlett's um success and how he approached the 2020 census in the midst of a global pandemic. And that really is what made PA County's 2020

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census count so successful in getting our number as accurate as it could be. And secondly, on behalf of my office, the county clerk's office, John has been such an ally in our uh voter education and civic engagement initiatives, and I will never forget everything that you've

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done in that role. as my partner. So, Ki John, I'm grateful for your friendship. John, I congratulate you on this next step and I know that you will bring that same uh preparedness and professionalism, dedication and care in the work that you have to come.

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Congratulations. And now I'd like to invite Senator Benji Wimberly from the 35th district up to say a few words. Good evening everyone. So I crashed John's party. I didn't get invited John, but it's okay. It's fine. But uh it was

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important for me to be here. um in the 13 and a half years that I've known John and during campaign and I think we ran cycles together um he is brilliant and that's the one word everybody I've talked to about will say about him and it's important to have smart people in

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government at least a couple you know so it's important to have some but when it comes to um voters rights and and I think almost 13 years ago I think we had a conversation John about voters right and suppression we had an issue in the city of Patterson and that's when I knew like this guy's the real deal. And uh

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the one thing John, I just wanted to salute you. I want to be here. I want to celebrate you and hopefully we'll work together on this tunnel project. That's an exciting project. But uh just on behalf of myself, Assemblyman Kinata Stewart and Assemblyman Alaziz. We have a proclamation which will be read in the

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record signed by Senate President Nick Cateri and Speaker Craig Coughlin for your superior service not only Pay County but to New Jersey. God bless you. God bless your family and all you do. Okay. So, this really is a recognition in motion.

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At this time, I'd like to recognize some of uh John's colleagues and mine also. Uh Commissioner Pat Leaport, County Administrator Anthony Denova, our former deputy county administrator Mark Seaman.

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We welcome Mayor John Lane from the Burough of Hawthorne. Councilman, >> Councilwoman Christine Hitz from Little Falls, Councilman Tony Leona from Clifton. And at this time, I would like to invite

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the honorable Pay County Circuit Judge Zoa Kasanova. like Commissioner Lazara, this is tough for me. Um, so I wrote notes because Commissioner Bartlett is also a friend.

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And when you campaign with somebody, it is a bond. Um and so we've all refle reflected on the remarkable leadership as commissioner and the deep honor

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uh that he brings to the role and passion. We know of John's dedication to improving our parks infrastructure um and most importantly giving a voice

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to the voiceless in multiple languages. Spanish is questionable, but we appreciate that because he makes sure that he connects with everyone in whatever way. So that kasas or in cuadradi and everything else is so

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important because he truly embodies serving everyone. Very few people know, however, that Commissioner John Bartlett and I have known each other for about 20 years

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because we met in preschool. You're laughing, but it's true. We met in preschool and we've aged well um about 20 years ago. And as a typical lawyer that I am, I am leaving out the fine print that we actually met in

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preschool when our children um were in preschool. But we met in preschool and back then we had the privilege of getting to know each other and seeing an amaz

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when we reconnected it was easy to flow as candidates because we encountered somebody who misspoke about ethnic groups. And before anything came out of my mouth,

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John reacted to the point that I was like, "It's not that bad." But that's who he is. He represents us all in every every part of what he is and a true leader and a true friend. and I'm going

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to miss him not only for his knowledge, his friendship, but our car. So, one of the jokes was that we traveled so much because of this bond that it got to the point that he would refer to the car that we would sometimes

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share our car. Um, so I'm going to miss you. Um, you're not going far. you will truly represent us. I know and continue to do the work. Know that I don't believe P County is going to let

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you go far. You expect I know that everyone here knows that we will be calling it, right? So, expect our call. Keep our car running and I can't wait to see and hear of all the wonderful things that you all will do.

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Thank you for your time and friendship. Oh, did that too. Our bad eating habits. >> At this time, I'd like to invite Chief Katie Banella from the Ped County Sheriff's Department up. She's here to represent

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our sheriff. >> Good evening. So, I will make it short and sweet, but on behalf of Tom Sheriff Thomas Adamo, I wanted to thank John Bartlett for his commitment to the safety of all of the residents of the

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county of Pake. And on a personal note, I wanted to thank him for not only his professionalism, but for putting a smile on my face when he said I was too short and suffered from Napoleon complex. I do. Thank you. And I know this is not

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goodbye, but it's see you later. Good luck with everything. The next person I like to invite up is someone who we ran with in 2015. We go way back, but what I've seen over the years is the close relationship

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that John had. And at this time, I'd like to invite the honorable mayor of Pake, Hector Lawrence. Thank you, madame director, to our administrator, our clerk, our county uh council, and all the commissioners. Um,

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deputy director, thank you so very much for this opportunity to be here. John, let me begin by congratulating congratulations on this position. I'm so very proud of you. Couple hours ago, I was in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It's about uh 2 and 1/2 hours away. And when

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the clerk reached out, Luamhoff to say, "Are you coming?" I said, "I'm I'll do my best." I was at a conference for 3 days. And we were going to stay an extra day, but I purposely wanted to be here to just share a few words regarding John Bartlett. I ran with him in 2012. I

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think we created a bond. That's a word that our surrogate shared that when you run with individuals you create a bond. But I want to be very transparent and honest here. Initially there was not a bond. We began as some people are laughing. They

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understand there was nothing necessarily wrong or anything but we we were running mates. We be we began as running mates. We didn't know each other that well. we were kind of put together by the party and uh Chairman Curry and all of the municipal leaders. So, I got to know

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John along the way. I can share what stood out immediately about him. The fact that he was a devoted husband and an amazing father. His love for Kiati is undeniable. I mean, you have a conversation with him and within minutes

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he is singing her praises, telling you how remarkable she is, how intelligent, and how amazing and everything that she does. Of course, after he tells you about him, then he tells you, "This is going to get personal. I drove here 2 and 1/2 hours. I was going to miss the

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roast of John Butler." Cuz even though we know each other well, you learn a few things about somebody. Like today from Mr. Murphy, I learned you went to Harvard. That is that is wonderful. That's another inside joke. Some people would

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know it. Listen, to be fair, for those of you laughing, if I went to Harvard, I would have had it tattooed on my forehead and I would have had everybody seated. But that very first year, obviously new to running, you want to share your qualifications with everyone in the county. And we we did a lot of

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political stumping and speaking, and John would share that he went to Harvard and Brown. But again, I'll reiterate what stood out most to me because that is extremely impressive. And though we joke about that within our groups and our friendship, that wasn't really what stood out. It was his love for his

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family and his son Kdar and how very proud he consistently was and is about Kdar. Even to this day, he talks about your accomplishments, Kadar. And I've had the privilege of being in John's house. He's been in mine. We've eaten

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lamb together in my backyard. That's a different uh inside joke. And I and I got to know the person as a family man and it drove why he ran, why he wanted to serve, genuinely believe in the

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principles and values that he constantly stood up for throughout the entire campaign. A family man. The second thing that stood out to me about Commissioner Bartlett was that he is the same person and he remains the same person in

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private that he is in public. The guy you see in private is the guy that you will see in public. I mean we have had fights. We have challenged each other. But I have never once doubted that this John Barllet that you see whether on a

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deis in front of a microphone or on a TV screen is the same John Barllet that you will get at home. He's a man of principle and genuine integrity. I got to meet him in 2012 and run twice with him. We had an interesting um

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experience. 2012 was a relatively easier race. There was somebody at the top of the ticket that some of you may be familiar with, President Obama. So, we kept trying to tell everyone who we were and no one really remember. They all just remember President Obama was at the

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top of the ticket. And then in 2015, we had one of the hardest races, but we equally had a remarkable celebrity, uh, Sandy Lazara, so they remembered her. But throughout the trail, everywhere that me and John went to share with individuals about why we were running

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and how we would serve, I got to know him more. I got to know his amazing sense of humor. I got to meet his father and find a little bit about or find out a little bit about the man that he is and where he gained so much of that character and integrity. What few people

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may know, and he shares it rarely, is that John is a deeply spiritual individual. He grew up in a house of faith and I want to share that personally not to take up too much time but I I want to share personal side about John.

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I am a minister I lead in a church very familiar with religion and I studied religion so I'm very familiar with different religions. John is one of the few people in this world that I can say genuinely challenged my faith and not in a

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negative way. See, religion and faith and politics are often those topics that people tell you don't bring up in social settings or family settings. But it's not unique to find them together in campaign trails, politicians. What is unique is to find elected officials who

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genuinely live out their beliefs that are consistent. And here's where John challenged my faith because in areas where we disagreed, I never questioned whether he honestly believed it. Whether or not the the culture agreed, whether

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or not society was on board, John believes that his faith is best expressed by fighting for everyone, ensuring that people of every race, background, belief, religion, and orientation are represented, are

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defended, and are fought for. Now, I've heard many politicians express it, convey the same message. Just sometimes when you speak to them in private, it's not always the same. But not John. I've seen John be a ferocious advocate for

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every community. I've seen him fight not just for voting rights as the senator shared and the surrogate. Not just fighting to make sure the material that was passed out around the county was translated. I remember when he ensured for the board of social services, the courthouse and the county commissioners

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at that time freeholder would make uh make certain that every material was understood by every individual. John believes that the best way that you can express your love, whatever your religion is for God, is how you treat

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others. Whether or not you're willing to put your own beliefs aside, empathize, or walk in another person's shoes. He didn't articulate it that way, but he showed it to me by his actions. John challenged me often when it came to

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politics. We would talk about different sides and we would do these exercises where we try to understand the other side and that's what makes him such a remarkable leader not just in the area of politics but as a person. The other thing I would say is that John has

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always since I have known him kept his word. If John tells you that he's going to do something, if he tells you he's going to be somewhere, if he says he's going to fight for something, you can bank on that. And that is an amazing trait not just in elected officials. I

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mean that's remarkable and I would love it for every official to have that trait but in terms of his character. I believe John Barley is one of the most unique and wonderful leaders that P County has ever had. He has a brilliant mind. I think that's already been said.

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Everyone agrees with it. Wasn't just Harvard but Brown. Then he studied overseas. He ensured to get his preparation. And again, those are wonderful traits, but what you do with your ability matters more than the ability itself. One thing to be

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brilliant or talented or gifted, but if you use it just for yourself, really doesn't mean anything when you're not around. Then there are those remarkable few who decide that their talents, gifts, knowledge, preparation,

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sacrifices, that they're not meant just for themselves. They're meant to serve others. I've seen John go to war when he believes in something. And I've seen him fight for others. I've seen him stand up, speak up, interrupt for the right

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reasons and sometimes for reasons that annoyed me because I was the one speaking when he would interrupt. I can say these things because as the surrogate shared and I began, we didn't begin so close. We began as running mates,

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then we became colleagues, and then we became friends. And today I can honestly say I consider him a part of my family. >> I deeply appreciate you, John. I know that where you're going, you will do remarkable good.

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I'm sad to see you leave office. I have to admit that if no one else says it because he is one of those representatives that if you call him, he would pick up. If you're here from another county, the 16 municipalities or around New Jersey, you've seen John show

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up to your cultural events. We have been together in Dominican parades, Peruvian parades, Mexican parades, all the parades. And I've seen them dance badly at all of them. I have. Kathy knows. That's why she's

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got she's a dancer. But here's the point. In order to be seen dancing badly there, you have to be there. And that's what I want to leave you with. John was always there consistently because he actually cares.

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John, again, thank you so very much. I love you, my brother, and I love your family. Thank you. I can certainly attest to the relationship between Hector and John. It's It's one that has just grown over the years. At this time, I'd like to

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invite Upendra Gavi and Vivandia Vip. >> I kind of like killed that name, but that's okay. Bupendra, come. Is he here?

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>> Is he here? >> No, this is me. >> No, this is you, right? >> Yes. organizable members of the board of county commissioners uh the P county leadership and uh ladies and gentlemen Kati Kedar

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uh two minutes is short time to cover se 14 years of experience and contribution to our great county. Uh I have uh known John for a long time and uh what he has brought to the table is beyond what our

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other speaker and what I would be able to uh give justice to. uh all these years uh he has reached out he's elevated uh everybody who has aspired for good work uh selfless service and in

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many ways he has uh been holding many people's hands to say that they can reach those aspirations and help them realize them. John has uh viously reached across communities, across party

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lines, across uh various belief systems and uh made everybody feel special and helped realize the aspirations of many. In many cases, you look at various ethnicities, representation of

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ethnicities and business people, whether it's in academia or business or any other social work, John has been there to help everybody uh reach reach those goals. My my my special privilege was to uh

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still is is to serve on the P County open space and historic preservation committee and I have my colleagues here with me some some of the previous colleagues but he has uh spearheaded a lot of those initiatives which are uh

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for the betterment of our our state county and uh and all those involved in various roles in the leadership uh also in in terms of leading strategic initiatives for uh for a lot of those big portfolios that we hold in the in

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the county. Now as far as uh his tenure across 14 years, you know, it's not an easy thing because you come across challenges, obstacles, hidden agendas and different thought processes. John has been able to convert those into positives in many many ways. Those

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positives come with lot of collaborative aspect, a deep rooted value systems, his spiritual background and his ability to embrace all other belief systems and to to capitalize and bring the positive aspect to to bring uh do the right thing

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and that comes with deep deep principles, values and the character he brings to everything he he works with and that you can see has been between Dr. Joshi here and John De that in Keda and and you see that as a proof of proof

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of their their their work with with with our society as far as uh John's new role is concerned there's lot of promise al although we'll fill the void here in Pay County but he's left such great processes in place such belief systems

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in place that is only a phone call away and So, uh there's not going to be a void, but uh by the time we we see that the gateway project is going to uh take fruition, uh it will be you you'll be uh

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glad to know that you know crossing the tunnel will be will be much easier than the speech that I've given. So that so it it will it will it will be all John's efforts and I I wish John the very best uh and congratulations and many many

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more to come. Thank you. Thank you. At this time, I'd just like to recognize former Councilman Al Kawadi from Little Falls, Dr. Dr. Charlene Gingal, former P County Health Director.

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our very own Reverend Al Steel, pastor of Seminary Baptist Church. Joel Ramirez, director of the city of Patterson Health and Human Services and a board of trustees for the P County Community College. He serves as vice

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chair. And Kenneth Sumpter, also on the board of trustees at P County Community College. See, I didn't see you all walking. Okay. At this time, I'd like to invite the love of John's life, his his wife,

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Dr. Jooshi, and his son Kar up to the microphone. >> Good evening, everybody. >> Good evening. >> Um, so I've been out on the campaign trail with my dad since I was four years old. Uh the great line is I was about as tall as those lawn signs and

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it has been an absolute privilege to to work you know along with him ever since then. Um I was 8 years old for the first 2012 uh freeholder campaign and I you know I was out there taking photos and handing out lit and we were um we were doing all the canvasing and it was a lot

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harder for people to slam the door in your face when you have a cute little kid next to you but it did happen. Um, and Bubba and Hector and Rhonda won and that's awesome. But I think we can all agree that the really big victory of that campaign was I got one of those little magnetic name tags. I was I was

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so excited about that Kar Bartlet campaign volunteer right here. That was that was the big victory for me. Um, and in the almost 14 years since then, uh, through the freeholder title and the county commissioner title, I've had the privilege of accompanying my father to

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all these different, um, campaign events and community events while he was in office. Um, throughout my time growing up here in Pose County, got to meet so many amazing amazing people fighting for their communities. Um, but more than anything, I got to see what an

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effective, empathetic, caring leader in action looks like by watching my dad talk to everybody, by um, you know, watching him talk the talk and walk the walk and really see in in real life the

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values and character traits that I am can only try to embody that got passed down from my grandfather, Glenn Bartlett, to County Commissioner Tom Bartlett and now of course traits that I will try to embody for the rest of my life. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we're all very blessed to

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have seen such an incredible leader in action and service of state county. Uh and I can't wait to see what he does for the great state of New Jersey in his new position. U and I'm super excited to stand by him through this next chapter of his career and all the following

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chapters after that. Thank you. Um it is uh really bittersweet to be here. Um from everything you've heard, you know how much and I think many of you know how much personally how much John loves public service, how much he

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loves being a county commissioner. I don't know what we're going to talk about at dinner now because truly >> home for dinner. >> You'll be home for dinner maybe. I don't know. I think this job's going to keep you pretty busy.

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But but this is but that's really the case. Like he comes up with ideas. He'll be at an NJTPA board meeting and he comes home and I hear about it for hours, Dave. I hear about it for hours, you know. Um he really really cares and

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it has been I have learned so much um about commitment and service. I thought I knew it from my father and mother um who were very involved in the community in Atlanta, Georgia where I grew up, but man, John takes it to a whole different

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level. Whole different level. And um I'm so grateful that my father-in-law, Glenn Bartlett, um was so much part of our lives here. Whenever there was the campaign, dad would come um after Friday

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night football games so he could take care of Kdar so that I could work on the weekends and work on books and publishing and do whatever I had to do. So really want to mention uh dad at this moment. It was um someone already

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mentioned the census and that's there's a little bit more I want to tell you there because I'm so grateful to Mayor Laura and to so many others um Danielle you know all of you who um who see what I see every day you know and for all of

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you who see that um he cares about every community I always say okay I think it's a little special with the Indians Actually, I don't think it is. I just want to think that. You know, he truly truly cares about everyone. And when

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it's it's lovely to see that love reflected back to see it reflected back. But, you know, the census came along and John put together an amazing team across the county um with people from all different backgrounds, all 16

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municipalities. We were ready. We were ready to go. And then the pandemic came and I thought, well, what are we going to do? We're not going to be doing a whole lot. Oh my goodness. I could not have been more wrong.

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I think actually under his leadership, the entire committee did more than what we would have if it had all been in real life and not everything on Zoom. Um, Marcia, I have to give you a shout out on that one and for everything that you

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did. But that was just it. I really there were nights where I was like, can we just hang out? But no, we couldn't because there was work to be done, you know. So, as a as a

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constituent, I'm really sad to see John leaving the commissioner board. I think there are big shoes to be filled. Um, as his wife, I'm thrilled that he's moving on to a project that you, everyone in

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this room knows has got to finish and I think we will see him make it happen. So, John, we love you. We love you so much. We have shared you with Pose County. Now, we're going to be sharing you with New Jersey. Well, and New York.

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And um I love you forever, forever and ever. At this time, I'd like to call John's colleagues from the Board of County Commissioners down for a presentation. see it yet. >> Where's John?

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>> Exactly. >> It's a big proclamation. That's >> John. On behalf of all of us, everybody, you know, your colleagues here on the board, our colleagues in the office, uh, Lisa and Jazzy and Vivy, and of course

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Lou, who does so much for all of us. We want to present you with this, um, memory to take with you when you go. You'll never forget us. >> You got a lot. You got a lot. And I would like to invite you to come

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on up for a couple of remarks. >> Yeah. >> Wow. That is that is something else. They're going to think I'm so self-absorbed if I hang that in my new office.

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But um wow, what a wonderful uh tribute. Thank you to everybody uh who came here to be part of this. Thank you um to my colleagues, my friends, my family, and to all 525,000 residents of Pay County. We counted

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and that's how high we got. In January 2013, I stood in this space and took an oath to serve the people of this county to the best of my ability and understanding. Sometimes that just feels like a few days ago. And sometimes when I look at Khedar and his growth

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from uh political lawn sign height to 6'2, I realize uh that with these 22-year-old college graduate standing in front of me just how long it's been. Serving this county and its people has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I'm deeply grateful to the voters

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who placed their trust in me again and again in primary and general elections. I'm grateful to my colleagues, past and present, with whom I've shared victories, frustrations, disagreements, and friendships. I'm grateful to the county employees who do the hard work

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most people never see. And most importantly, I'm grateful to my family. Kathy and Kar, your support and love are not just what makes this whole journey possible, they're what make it worthwhile. Thank you. Over 14 years, we have faced challenges

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that none of us could have anticipated. We've navigated economic uncertainty, public health crises, and natural disasters. We've also accomplished things we might not have even imagined. New parks and schools, new projects and partnerships, and plans for even more enduring investments in the bright

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future still ahead of us. And we've done it all while watching our national politics devolve from disagreeing about how to solve America's problems to disagreeing about what those problems even are. And sometimes to seeing fellow

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Americans as the problem. But we are not each other's problems. We are partners in a great endeavor. Heirs to different origin stories, but writing the next chapter together. Government isn't the problem. Government is how we do the

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things we need to do together. Caring for the young and the old for our health and opportunity and for the natural environment we all share. And democracy isn't the problem. Democracy is how we establish our priorities. And at its best, it is where we meet to hash out

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our differences. I knew all of these things 14 years ago in theory at least. But it was county government that provided the proof again and again. Because government is not an abstract institution. It's people. It's neighbors helping neighbors. It's nearly 2,000

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unsung heroes, public servants showing up every day to solve problems and improve lives. It's each of you. Each of you and the thousands more volunteers and supporters that help make it all happen. And leadership is not command.

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It's not even about having the best ideas. Leadership starts with listening. That's how we find those great ideas, test them, and meet the people that can put them into action. Leadership continues with coalition building, earning the community's trust,

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harnessing its political will, securing the funds, and communicating why it all matters. And democracy is not something we do every four years or for a few minutes each June and November. Getting it right asks far more from us than

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that. If we're honest with ourselves, that feels especially hard right now. The most visible political figure in the nation, perhaps the world, is someone who has confused violence with strength, profits with politics, public attention with political effectiveness, and

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himself with his office. And for all of us in public service, the system seems to reward courting patrons more than meeting voters and being loud and opinionated more than being attentive and reasoned. I encourage my colleagues to keep making

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county government the antidote to all of that because for 14 years, that's what I've tried to make it by working across the aisle with those at other levels of government. By making sure that things like language and disability don't stand between us and the people we serve. by keeping our democratic processes fair

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and transparent and by consistently articulating how Pose County is a place where all are welcome and valued and where when you target our neighbors, you will get neither aid nor comfort from us. That work is never finished. I leave

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office proud of what we've accomplished together, but also looking forward to seeing what's next. Not because our challenges are smaller, not because our divisions are less real. And not because I'm an optimist. Optimism can be naive. 14 years in this office have taught me

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something stronger. Hope. Hope is not naive. Hope is knowing from experience that people with all kinds of backgrounds and life experiences can come together in service of something larger than themselves. The county employees will work through

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the night to help residents in crisis and volunteers will dedicate countless hours to improving their communities. And that even when the law doesn't protect us, we can still protect one another. Hope is what keeps democracy alive. Democracy is not made up of laws on a

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page, but of ordinary people who choose every day to participate in it. To vote, to volunteer, to speak up, to serve, to care about the future of their communities, and to participate in shaping that future. As long as we keep doing that, we'll be fine. I'm not

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leaving public service. The Gateway Tunnel will benefit every Pose County resident directly or indirectly. It will help make our commutes faster, our communities safer and create opportunities for people across our region. But I am leaving that chair and this deis and these colleagues and all

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of you friends and that is bittersweet. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Thank you for your trust and thank you for 14 unforgettable years. May we continue the work ahead together. It's not over till we take the picture. And then if we can have everyone that

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spoke come up and join the county commissioners and get a picture with the u with the uh with the board, please. Thank you. So, everyone that was on the program, please come up and take a picture. I know

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>> move. All right, John. I got it. Well, how's everybody feeling tonight? >> This is a celebration. Let's give each other another big round of applause. >> So, I am the second to last voice you're going to hear before our food and reception downstairs that you are all

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welcome to as soon as uh we conclude this part of the program. We'll finish up some county business and you guys will all join us downstairs for a nice reception with some food and refreshments. So, as we conclude tonight's celebration, I just want to take a moment to reflect on not only

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Commissioner John Bartlett's remarkable 14 years of service, but also the kind of person he is. So many people will remember John for the policies he supported, the meetings he attended, and the countless hours he dedicated to this county. Those accomplishments are significant, and they're worthy of

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recognition. But what I will remember most is the person behind the title. So, now I'll tell you a quick story. When I was appointed to this board in in early March of of 2023, I was also selected to be the candidate to run for the seat. Now, fast forward November, we win with

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the help of many of you in this room. And we are looking forward to the swearing in ceremony in January. So, it's probably our last meeting in December. And John says, "Hey, what are you doing for New Year's Eve? I'm home alone." Uh, Kiati and his son were away.

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I think you guys were in India. And I said, 'Well, you know, having New Year's Eve in my house, as I always do, if you're if you're around, you want to come by, just come by. And I walked away saying, "There's no way he's coming over." I just there was no way, right,

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until New Year's Eve during the day. I'm preparing uh dinner. We're preparing the house to welcome our family over. And John calls me and says, "What you what would you like me to bring?" So I look at my wife, Osheen, and I go, "Barta's coming over for New Year's Eve."

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She said, "What? So, we called them and said, "Whatever you want to drink and eat, just feel free to come and come and celebrate." And uh that's one of my favorite memories cuz what took place on New Year's Eve as the ball dropped and everybody was celebrating the arrival of

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the new year at the stroke of midnight, John looked over at me and casually said, "Hey, do you want me to swear you in?" And I said, "Sure." I think we were in pajamas still and he was ready to leave and he said, "So, I'll swear you in before I leave." And so, a few

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moments later, surrounded by family, he administered the oath of office, which officially began my career as a county commissioner. And so, while everyone was else celebrating the new year, I became a county commissioner and John was right there to make it happen. And so, I think that is a testament to the person behind

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the title, right? So, that moment has always stayed with me because it captured exactly who John really is. He's someone who values people, someone who shows up, someone who quietly mentors, encourages, and supports others without seeking the recognition. And so

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over the last 14 years, John has been a trusted colleague to many, a dedicated public servant and a steady voice for this county. His impact can be seen throughout our communities, but his legacy will also be found in the relationships that he has built and the respect that he has earned from those

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who have had the privilege of serving alongside him. So, while tonight marks the end of an incredible chapter in his career, it's also the beginning of a well-earned new one. We hope it is filled with family, happiness, good health, and all the things that public

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service often requires us to hold. So, please join me in one final time in thanking Commissioner John Barllet for his 14 years of distinguished service at the state house. So at this time if you guys can please remain standing I'll ask Reverend Al

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Steel to come up and join us uh and hit us with the benediction. Reverend Steel, please sir. >> Congratulations my friend. Let's bow and pray. Father, we are grateful for this amazing day that we

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can celebrate plan, purpose, and future through the person who you have embodied to share with us. We thank you for his elevation. We thank you for his vision and sight. Thank you that we are people of faith and family now, oh God, as we depart. Thank you for your presence.

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Thank you for your goodness and mercy. Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. If everyone could head downstairs to the um to the atrium on the first floor. Uh dinner is served. Okay.

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Come on. Okay. At this time, I'd like to invite any Oh, we'll wait for John. One more. >> Oh yeah. She's the one who brings us.

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>> Thank you. I'll see you downstairs. >> Okay, we have commissioner reports. Um, just want to say John, you'll be missed. You had a good run and I wish you God speed moving forward.

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We will look to see if there's ever a seat on the friends of the park for you. >> Okay. Uh Cruz, >> I said what I said up there. So I know you're not leaving, right? So this is not goodbye. See you later.

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>> You keep making the balakla. I'll keep coming over for New Year's. >> Bakala. Sorry, >> Mr. Bartlett. >> I kind of also said my thing already. >> Yeah, I know. I just want >> In case I didn't thank you already. Thank you all very much for uh being

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part of this whole adventure. >> Commissioner D'vor. >> Uh yes. Thank you, Madam Director. I would like to thank all the following municipalities for the invite and celebration or flag raising of Junth this past weekend. Uh the following were

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the Patterson Pake and Helden municipalities. I would also like to congratulate the African Heritage Parade Committee for a very successful and enjoyable parade on June 20th. Uh look out for the next year's date. And I would like to congratulate one of our very own Grand Marshals for the parade,

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our county clerk, Danielle Ireland Mhof. And I would also congratulate uh again John Bartlett uh on his new role. and thank you for your years of service as a county commissioner to the greatest county in New Jersey. Don't forget it. Um, I will end my report by wishing a

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belated milestone birthday to our very same county clerk and many more blessings to Danielle. >> Okay, Commissioner Remaglia. >> Yes. Thank you, Director. Uh, just want to wish Commissioner Bartlett the best of luck and thank you for your service.

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It definitely didn't go well. Thank you. and Commissioner Schz. >> Yes, thank you, Director. Um, Commissioner Bartlett, um, I have listened to many beautiful words this evening. I just want to say God bless you, my friend. I'm so grateful to have

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known you and like you said, you're not going to go anywhere. You're going to stay in county and I'm sure we well, I will continue learning from you because it's been a great experience so far. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family. And I have a motion to open the public

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portion of the meeting. >> So move. D'vor >> second. >> D'vor Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia. >> Yes. >> Stratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazaro.

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>> Yes. >> Seeing no one from the public, I move to close. >> Second. >> Cruz and D'Vor. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. D'vor, yes. Remagia, yes. Trz, yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, yes. Director Lazar, >> yes.

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>> Could I have a motion to move the consent agenda L1 through L58? >> So moved. D'Vor >> second. >> D'vor Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia.

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>> Yes. >> Tratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Cruz. >> Yes. Director Lazar. >> Yes. >> I have a motion to move the personnel agenda. >> Move the personnel. Second. >> Bartlett and Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett.

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>> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia. >> Yes. >> Ratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. And can I have a motion to move the bills? >> Move the bills. Second. >> Bartlett and Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes.

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>> Remagia. >> Yes. Stratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. And could I have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> D'vor and Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett.

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>> I love this place, so I vote no. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Ragalia, >> yes. >> Stratz, yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazaro, >> yes. >> Thank you everyone. There is food downstairs, so go ahead down and help