Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III became the 85th President of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) in a ceremony today at the Senate Chambers of the State House in Trenton.

Kern is only the second Warren County resident to head the statewide group that advocates for counties and issues that affect them, after former Freeholder Richard D. Gardner headed the organization 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 Senator Douglas Steinhardt administered the oath of office to Kern, while Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Y. Robinson, the outgoing NJAC President, swore in the board of directors and slate of executive officers, which include Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella as 1st Vice President, Monmouth County Commissioner Dominick DiRocco as 2nd Vice President, and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur as Secretary Treasurer. Robinson continues to serve on the NJAC 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 is committed to advocating for legislation, regulations, and policy directives that empower county governments to operate more efficiently and effectively. As a nonpartisan organization that represents the only true regional form of government in the State with a proactive and unified voice, NJAC is dedicated to enhancing the level of service provided and saving valuable taxpayer dollars.

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 NJAC and county government at www.njac.org.