Chairman Joseph Bodek

Chairman
Joseph Bodek

Chairman Joseph C. Bodek joined the Union County Board of County Commissioners in 2023 after being appointed to fill a vacancy on December 14, 2022. In 2026, he was sworn in as Chairman of the Board, bringing decades of public service experience and a deep commitment to responsible, community-focused governance.

Chairman Bodek is the son of a Jersey City Battalion Fire Chief and a graduate of New Jersey City University (formerly Jersey City State College), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics in 1977. While at NJCU, he developed a strong interest in how communities function and how government can best serve residents in practical, effective ways.

A lifelong New Jersey resident, Chairman Bodek grew up in Jersey City and moved to Linden following his high school graduation. He continues to reside in Linden with his wife, Christine. He is the proud father of two children — son Joseph John Bodek and daughter Beth Ann Rivera — and grandfather to Evelyn Mary Bodek, Adalyn Gene Rivera, and Aria Grace Rivera.

Chairman Bodek’s public service career spans more than four decades. He first served in elected office as a member of the Linden Board of Education beginning in 1981, where he served for more than 12 years. During that time, he also worked as a store manager for Meat City Companies. In 1989, he was appointed Clerk to the Union County Utilities Authority, overseeing environmentally responsible solid waste operations for more than 30 years before stepping down to become a County Commissioner.

As a Union County Commissioner, Chairman Bodek has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union County College Board of School Estimates, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Solid Waste Advisory Board, Construction Board of Appeals, Union County Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

In addition to his role as Chairman, Joseph C. Bodek has served as City Clerk of the City of Linden for over a decade. In that capacity, he oversees vital municipal functions including Registrar of Vital Statistics, Secretary to the Governing Body, ABC Secretary, Chairman of the Insurance Commission, and head of Personnel.

As Chairman, Bodek’s 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives are guided by the theme “Honoring the Past, Strengthening Our Tomorrow.” His focus includes reinforcing core County services, supporting public safety and emergency preparedness, investing in parks, environmental stewardship, and quality-of-life initiatives, and recognizing historic milestones that reflect Union County’s legacy while strengthening its foundation for future generations.

Union County Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek Sworn In as Chairman at the 169th Annual Re-Organization Meeting

Earlier this morning, at the 169^th Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek was sworn in as Chairman of the Commissioner Board. Chairman Bodek announced his Chairman’s Initiatives for 2026 under the theme, “Union County 2026: Honoring the Past, Strengthening Our Tomorrow,” emphasizing stewardship, continuity, and strengthening the programs and services residents rely on every day.

“Union County has a strong foundation built by generations of residents, leaders, and public servants who cared deeply about this community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As Chairman, my focus is on honoring that legacy while strengthening the work we do today — ensuring our services remain reliable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our residents. Together, we will continue moving Union County forward with purpose, responsibility, and respect for those who came before us.”

Chairman Bodek joined the Union County Board of County Commissioners in 2023 after being appointed to fill a vacancy on December 14, 2022. His commitment to public service is rooted in decades of experience in local government and a deep understanding of how communities function and thrive.

A lifelong New Jersey resident, Chairman Bodek grew up in Jersey City and has lived in Linden since graduating high school, where he continues to reside with his wife, Christine. He is the proud father of two children — Joseph John Bodek and Beth Ann Rivera — and grandfather to Evelyn, Adalyn, and Aria.

Chairman Bodek’s public service career spans more than four decades. He first served in elected office as a member of the Linden Board of Education beginning in 1981, where he served for more than 12 years. In 1989, he became Clerk to the Union County Utilities Authority, a role he held for more than 30 years, overseeing environmentally responsible solid waste operations before stepping down to become a County Commissioner.

As a County Commissioner, Chairman Bodek has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union County College Board of School Estimates, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Solid Waste Advisory Board, Construction Board of Appeals, Union County Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. In addition, he continues to serve as City Clerk for the City of Linden, a position he has held for over a decade.

Chairman Bodek’s 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives focus on honoring Union County’s history while strengthening the foundation for the future. This includes recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through educational and community-based programming that highlights Union County’s role during the American Revolution, as well as thoughtfully commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The initiatives also emphasize reinforcing core County services, advancing public safety and emergency preparedness, investing in parks, environmental stewardship, and quality-of-life improvements, and expanding opportunities for youth and community engagement through recreation, education, and enrichment programs.

At the Reorganization Meeting, Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board. County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams were sworn in for new terms of office, while Stanley J. Neron and Joseph Signorello III were sworn in for their first terms as Union County Commissioners.

Chairman Bodek also recognized outgoing Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon for her leadership throughout 2025, thanking her for guiding the Board with collaboration, accessibility, and a strong focus on resident engagement and service delivery.

During the meeting, the Commissioners also voted on appointments to various County advisory boards and approved the Board’s 2026 schedule and procedural rules.

Residents can learn more about the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives by visiting www.ucnj.org. 

Speech

• Good morning everyone and thank you for being here this morning for our Annual Union County Re-Organization.
• This is more than a procedural transition — it is a moment to reflect on our progress and recommit ourselves to serving the residents of Union County.
• It is truly an honor to stand before you as Chairman for 2026, and I am grateful to my colleagues on the Board — including those newly joining us this year — for the trust and confidence they have placed in me.
• Serving alongside you has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
• I want to begin by thanking my family and friends for standing by me throughout this journey.
• To my wife, Christine — thank you for your constant encouragement, patience, and strength.
• To my son Joseph and my daughter-in-law Claudia, and my granddaughter Evelyn; to my daughter Beth Ann and my son-in-law Joseph, and my granddaughters Adalyn and Aria — thank you for your love and understanding – you are my greatest source of pride and motivation.
• I would also like to thank Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis, and my friends Ralph Strano and Christopher Hudak for their friendship, guidance, and continued support over the years.
• I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to recognize the late Joseph Suliga.
• For many of us in this room, he was a mentor, a leader, and a guiding force and in countless ways, he is the reason so many of us are gathered here — and why we are where we are today.
• Public service is demanding, and it requires patience, understanding, and sacrifice from those closest to us — and I am deeply grateful for them.
• In that same spirit, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Union County Democratic Chairman and Senate President, Nicholas Scutari for his continued partnership and leadership.
• Your collaboration continues to benefit Union County in meaningful ways, and we are thankful for your commitment to the people we serve.
• We are also honored to be joined this morning by Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill.
• On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we welcome you and wish you every success as you prepare for your upcoming swearing-in as Governor of the State of New Jersey.
• We look forward to working together in the years ahead on behalf of our residents.
• I also want to recognize our outgoing Chairwoman – Lourdes Leon for her leadership throughout 2025.
• Chairwoman Leon guided this Board with thoughtfulness, collaboration, and a strong focus on connection and accessibility.
• Under her leadership, Union County strengthened services, expanded outreach, and continued delivering for residents across every municipality. Please join me in giving her a well-deserved round of applause.
• As I step into this role, I do so with a deep respect for the trust placed in us as County Commissioners.
• Every decision we make affects real people — families trying to make ends meet, seniors seeking care, young people building their futures, and workers who keep our communities moving forward.
• As we look ahead to 2026, this defining year calls for thoughtful leadership, careful decision-making, and a deliberate, strategic approach to serving residents while remaining prepared for change.
• In Union County, we view this not as a challenge, but as a responsibility — to lead with discipline, focus, and a commitment to delivering real value for the people we serve.
• With that in mind, I am proud to share our theme for the year ahead: Union County 2026: Honoring the Past, Strengthening Our Tomorrow.
• This theme reflects the role we play in a significant year — one that calls on us to remember where we have been, honor those who came before us, and strengthen the foundation for future generations.
• It speaks to stewardship and continuity — the belief that progress comes not only from creating something new, but from strengthening and building upon what already serves our residents well.
• This year, our nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States — a milestone that reminds us of the ideals that shaped our country and the perseverance required to uphold them.
• Here in Union County, the American Revolution was not a distant struggle — it unfolded across our towns and communities, which served as a critical crossroads in the fight for independence.
• Places like Elizabethtown, Connecticut Farms, and Springfield were sites of resistance and sacrifice — where local residents stood in the path of repeated efforts to advance through New Jersey.
• Across what are now our 21 municipalities, communities provided strategic ground and vital assistance that helped protect General Washington’s forces.
• These stories remind us that independence and self-governance were forged not only in famous halls, but in communities like our own.
• Throughout 2026, Union County will offer opportunities for residents to engage with this history through educational and community-based programming that promotes reflection and connection across generations.
• At the same time, 2026 will mark the 25^th anniversary of September 11th — a day that forever changed our nation and left a lasting impact on Union County.
• For many families, first responders, and survivors, September 11^th is not a moment frozen in time; its effects continue through ongoing loss and long-term health challenges.
• Together, these two anniversaries remind us that progress is measured not only by what we create, but by how we honor those who came before us and care for those still affected.
• In recognition of the 25^th anniversary, Union County will thoughtfully enhance the area surrounding our existing memorial to honor those we lost, those who passed in the years since due to 9/11-related illnesses, and those who continue to live with the lasting effects of that day.
• This work will be done with respect and intention — ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
• As Chairman, my focus this year is grounded in a simple but essential principle: strengthening the foundation of the work we already do.
• Union County has created strong programs, trusted services, and meaningful partnerships over many years. These are not things to be taken lightly.
• In 2026, our responsibility is to build upon them — refining, improving, and expanding their reach where possible.
• This work would not be possible without the dedication of our County leadership and staff.
• I want to thank County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, our Directors, Constitutional Officers, and every County employee who shows up each day committed to public service.
• Union County continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents across every community through a coordinated, countywide approach.
• Public safety and emergency response efforts focus not only on protection and preparedness, but also on outreach and building trust with residents.
• Programs designed to support seniors, individuals with special needs, and families during emergencies remain an essential part of this work, and we will continue expanding awareness and accessibility of these services throughout the year.
• Union County is equally committed to the spaces and programs that support residents’ quality of life.
• Our Parks and Recreation system remains one of the County’s greatest assets, serving residents at every stage of life through youth programs and sports, senior activities, enriching experiences, and open space that brings people together.
• In 2026, Union County will continue investing in park improvements while advancing environmental stewardship through open space protection, tree planting, recycling initiatives, and sustainability efforts to keep our communities healthy and livable.
• Supporting our seniors remains a top priority – as our population continues to age, we are committed to ensuring older adults can remain active, independent, and connected to their communities.
• Through nutrition programs, health services, transportation, recreation, and social engagement, Union County will continue strengthening support for seniors in 2026 by improving access, expanding outreach, and ensuring services remain reliable, responsive, and rooted in compassion.
• We are equally committed to our children and young people, who represent the future of Union County.
• Through recreational programs, educational opportunities, community experiences, and safe spaces for growth, Union County invests in initiatives that promote healthy development and lifelong learning.
• By providing opportunities for engagement, creativity, and leadership, we help young people build confidence, develop skills, and prepare to contribute positively to their communities — strengthening the foundation of Union County for years to come.
• In 2026, our region will also be connected to a global moment as the FIFA World Cup comes to the area.
• While Union County is not a host site, this event presents an opportunity to celebrate diversity, welcome visitors, and highlight the culture, hospitality, and community pride that define our County.
• Through collaboration with municipalities, cultural organizations, and community partners, Union County will focus on opportunities that allow residents to engage with this moment in a way that echoes local character and shared experience.
• For me, this commitment to community is deeply personal – my family’s roots in Union County go back generations, shaped by hard work, service, and a deep connection to the communities we call home.
• My grandfather operated a small butcher shop — first in Linden, then in Elizabeth — working long hours to support his family, build relationships, and serve his neighbors.
• Later, another shop followed, each one rooted in the same belief that community matters and that success comes from showing up every day and doing right by people.
• That sense of responsibility carried through my family in other ways as well.
• My father served as a firefighter for more than 40 years, dedicating his life to protecting others and answering the call to serve whenever it came.
• Growing up around that example of service — whether in a small family business or in public safety — taught me the value of commitment, resilience, and putting community before self.
• Those lessons continue to guide how I approach public service today and reinforce why supporting what we have built matters so deeply to me.
• Union County has always been built by people who showed up, worked hard, and looked out for one another. That spirit remains at the heart of who we are.
• To the residents of Union County, thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your partnership.
• You are the reason we do this work, and your voices matter in every decision we make.
• To my fellow Commissioners, County leadership, and staff — thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving with integrity.
• As we move through this year, let us honor our past, strengthen what we have built, and continue moving forward with purpose and unity.
• I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and I look forward to the year ahead.
• Thank you.