Meet Candidates of the General Election
Overall, the Bergen County Black Caucus plans to be a vital force for positive change, empowerment, and representation for the Black community in Bergen County. Through its advocacy, engagement, and collaboration efforts, it plans to help advance social, economic, and political progress for Black residents and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Bergen County for all its residents.
2024
Meet Sheriff Anthony Cureton Bergen County Sheriff
A dedicated leader running for his third term as Bergen County Sheriff. With a proven track record of service and a commitment to safety, Sheriff Cureton is ready to continue his work in ensuring the security and well-being of Bergen County residents. Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Cureton has implemented innovative initiatives to address crime, promote community policing, and enhance public safety. From modernizing law enforcement practices to fostering stronger relationships with local communities, Sheriff Cureton has been a driving force for positive change. As he seeks re-election, Sheriff Cureton remains steadfast in his commitment to serving with integrity, transparency, and professionalism. His experience, dedication, and vision make him the ideal candidate to lead the Bergen County Sheriff's Office into the future. Get to know Sheriff Cureton and his vision for Bergen County by attending upcoming events, engaging with his campaign, and supporting his re-election bid. Together, let's continue building a safer and stronger Bergen County for all.
2024
Meet Tanisha Dennis Councilwoman, Borough of Elmwood Park
Tanisha Dennis, your dedicated Councilwoman of Elmwood Park is seeking re-election to continue serving your community. With a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to the well-being of our city, Councilwoman Dennis has been an effective advocate for positive change. Throughout her tenure, Councilwoman Dennis has tirelessly championed initiatives to address the needs and concerns of our residents. From advocating for better public services to supporting initiatives for community development and inclusion, she has been a strong voice for progress and equality. As she runs for re-election, Councilwoman Dennis remains committed to listening to the voices of our community and working collaboratively to find solutions to our shared challenges. With her experience, integrity, and dedication, she is well-prepared to continue representing our interests on the city council. Join us in supporting Councilwoman Dennis's re-election campaign by getting involved, attending campaign events, and spreading the word to friends and neighbors. Together, let's ensure that our city continues to move forward under the leadership of Councilwoman Dennis.
2024
Meet Reshma Khan Councilwoman, Teaneck Town Council
Reshma Khan is a dedicated community leader who has been an active resident of Teaneck for nearly two decades. Born in India, she overcame significant challenges, including financial hardship and societal expectations, to achieve academic and professional success. Reshma holds an MBA from TAPMI in India and an MS in Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. In Teaneck, she co-petitioned for the successful One Town One Vote initiative, which increased voter turnout by moving local elections to November, ensuring that every resident's voice is heard in the democratic process. Reshma has served as Vice Chair of Voter Registration for the League of Women Voters of Teaneck, promoting civic participation and voter education. She founded The Nightingales junior choir group and the American Changemakers youth empowerment and civic engagement group, demonstrating her dedication to fostering community and youth involvement. Her efforts have been recognized with several awards, including the MLK Jr. Committee Shared Humanity Award for Community Service, the Woman of the Year Award from the Wise Old Women of Teaneck International Film Festival, and the Civic Leadership Award from the Cultural Society of Bergen County. Reshma Khan's campaign for Teaneck Town Council is driven by her commitment to equity, unity, and sustainable growth. She aims to represent the diverse voices of Teaneck, advocating for better public schools, thoughtful development, and affordable living. Her dedication to justice, transparency, and community well-being makes her a strong candidate for the Teaneck Town Council.
2024
Meet Chondra Young Councilwoman, Teaneck Town Council
Chondra Young is a deeply rooted Teaneck resident of 40 years, a wife of 25 years, and the proud mother of two daughters, age24 and 20. She serves as the Controller of Willow Street Partners LLC in Montclair, NJ, with 24 years of experience in real estate investment and development accounting. A committed community servant for over 25 years, Chondra has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 30 years. Her journey in community service began as a Brownie Girl Scout, progressing through every level of scouting until she became a Troop Leader in 2006, amassing 26 years of service. She is a graduate of Leadership Teaneck (2011) and co-sponsored the Michelle Obama Let’s Move Initiative in Teaneck alongside Lizette P. Parker that same year. Chondra has played pivotal roles in Teaneck's education system, serving on the BOE District Advisory Team from 2011 to 2014 and as PTO President at Bryant School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Teaneck High School from 2012 to 2022. In 2014, she was a Campaign Manager for One Teaneck, supporting Councilmen Jason Castle and Alan Sohn, and served as a Teaneck Democratic Committee District 18 Representative from 2014 to 2018. She has been an active member of the Teaneck Rd Business Community Alliance since 2016 and co-founded the Windbreakers Teaneck Track and Field competitive team in 2013. Her civic involvement extends further as a member of the League of Women Voters since 2014, serving on the Teaneck Library Board as Treasurer for the past two years, and as a current board member for the Center for Food Action. She is also an executive board member of the NAACP, chairing the Political Action Committee for two years, and a member of Bergen WeDo (Women Empowered Democratic Organization). Additionally, she has been actively involved in the Teaneck Garden Club for two years and is a recent graduate of the Bergen County Citizens Police Academy.
2024
Meet Dr. Ardie Walser Councilman, Teaneck Town Council
Dr. Ardie Walser, who is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Graduate & Undergraduate Studies at the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of the City University of New York, has dedicated his life to public education and community service. He has made significant and wide-ranging contributions to the Teaneck community: he is co-founder and director of Math Adventures and Word Play (MAWP), a community-based initiative that provides free tutoring and enrichment in mathematics, reading and writing to students across the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area, and he served on the Teaneck Board of Education for 15 years (e.g., five three year terms), including multiple terms as Board President. Dr. Walser is an awarding winning vocalist (i.e., MAC awards) who has appeared on the stage at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Symphony Space, and Avery Fisher Hall and on national TV and radio and has recorded with a number of noted artists. Ardie also frequently performs with talented Teaneck based jazz musicians for the benefit of various community organizations.
2024
Meet Mr. Duane Harley Councilman, Teaneck Town Council
I was born and raised in Teaneck. I attended Bryant School, Longfellow Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Junior High School and graduated Teaneck High School in 1988. I am currently an attorney specializing in contract transactions. I graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, CT in 1999. While attending law school I became the President of the Black Law Student Association for two (2) consecutive years. Under my leadership I helped provide mentorship to local youth within the community and began strengthening relationships between the Black student body and the university’s faculty and administration. In addition, during my final year attending law school I became the research assistant for Professor Marilyn Ford, Esq. who at the time represented superstar rap artist Keith Murray in an appeal from a criminal conviction. I assisted in the effort to overturn Murray’s conviction and was successful. Upon graduating Law School, I was hired by a boutique entertainment law firm located in Manhattan New York called Woods & Middleton, LLP. During my tenure I quickly became extremely knowledgeable of all types of entertainment contracts such as producer agreements, artist agreements, publishing agreements, and licensing agreements. In 2002 I founded D. Harley, PC and began providing conscientious legal representation to recording artists, music producers, songwriters, actors, singers, publishers and artist managers exclusively in the entertainment business. Such representation includes matters regarding copyright, trademark prosecution, right of publicity, music distribution, music recording, and music licensing. The types of client representation include reality television personalities, corporate executives, independent record labels, record production companies, film production companies, recording artists, record producers, managers, screenwriters, musicians and publishers.
Your active participation is vital in supporting the re-election of Black candidates in Bergen County. By engaging in this crucial effort, you contribute to the preservation and advancement of Black representation in local government. Your support ensures that the voices and concerns of the Black community are heard, represented, and acted upon effectively. Together, we can uphold diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our local leadership, fostering a stronger and more equitable Bergen County for all its residents. Get involved today to make a difference and help secure the continued success of our Black candidates!
