By Steve Morris

The Rev. Vernon Walton made Bergen County history when he was elected at a special convention held at Hackensack Middle School Tuesday night; the good reverend is now officially Bergen County’s first African-American freeholder. Walton will be filling the vacancy created when Connie Wagner resigned from the board to take office as district 38 assemblywomen. Although local democratic leaders have endorsed Walton and his election was for all intents and purposes a formality, a small band of protesters distributed literature, held signs, and chanted outside. Rev. Walton is a resident of Englewood and former member of that city’s council. He has a strong record of serving his community, racking up numerous awards and recognitions from community service and humanitarian organizations. “This is a great day for not only for African Americans, but for people all over Bergen County it’s a historic moment and is reflective of what is happening in our party”, said Rev. Walton regarding his election. BCDO Chairman Joe Ferriero said, “Tonight was a very historic event, the county committee unanimously elected the first African American Freeholder in Bergen County” regarding Rev. Walton’s election to the freeholder board. Under Ferriero’s leadership, the BCDO has embraced diversity and has sent many minorities and women to state and countywide offices. Currently the all-democrat 7 member board includes 3 women, 1 Hispanic male, and an African American male. Although the convention wasn’t mired in controversy, a small contingent of Bergen Grassroots came out and protested outside the school where the convention was held. When Inside Bergen asked what they were protesting, protest leader Robert Gulack of Bergen Grassroots stated, “The conventions are not properly called to order, and committee members are not given opportunities to introduce new motions”. The protest was peaceful and was undisturbed by local law enforcement.