Passaic County swears in two commissioners, elects director and deputy at reorganization meeting
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Summary
At its Jan. 7 reorganization meeting the Passaic County Board certified election results, swore in Michael Remaglia and Christina Schratz, unanimously elected Cassandra Lazara as director and Orlando Cruz as deputy director, approved committee assignments and took routine consent votes.
Passaic County formally opened its 189th reorganization meeting on Jan. 7, 2026, certified November election results and swore in two newly elected county commissioners. County Clerk Danielle Ireland Imhof announced that 151,417 ballots were cast countywide and certified the winners included "governor elect, Mikey Sherrill" (86,053 votes), Michael Remaglia (78,630) and Christina Schratz (79,511). "These election results have been certified and transmitted to the New Jersey secretary of state," Ireland Imhof said.
Following the certification, the board administered oaths to Michael Remaglia and Christina Schratz. Remaglia pledged to prioritize fiscal responsibility, infrastructure maintenance, expanded economic opportunities and affordable housing. Schratz, noting her background as a community banker, said she would focus on affordability, supporting small businesses, seniors' services and youth engagement.
During nominations for board leadership, Sandy (Cassandra) Lazara was nominated and seconded for director and Orlando Cruz was nominated and seconded for deputy director. The board conducted a roll-call vote and elected both leaders unanimously. The clerk recorded affirmative roll-call responses from commissioners present; the board then administered oaths to the director and deputy director.
Director Lazara used her remarks to preview county priorities and projects for 2026, including the reopening of Lambert Castle later in January after an extensive restoration and the county-supported "Liberty" project in Pompton Lakes designed to provide housing for veterans and seniors. Lazara said the county will continue to invest "in places, people and progress" and highlighted partnerships with municipal governments and county staff.
The board opened a three-minute public comment period, during which Eddie Gonzalez of the New Jersey Community Development Corp. presented a commemorative plaque and praised the county's diversity and history. After public comment was closed by motion, the board moved and passed a consent agenda covering routine business items (V1–V5, V7–V20, V22) and then voted separately on V6; all consent items were approved.
The board also confirmed committee assignments (administration & finance; budget; health & human services; law & public safety; planning & economic development; public works) and approved the appointment of Brian Jackson to the Passaic County Improvement Authority. The formal portion of the ceremony concluded with a benediction and an invitation to a post-meeting reception.
The meeting record notes the board's emphasis on continuity: certified election results were transmitted to the secretary of state, leadership roles were decided by roll-call votes, and several near-term projects and renovations were announced for 2026. The board adjourned following the benediction.
