Somerset County Education Association Endorses Russo and Marano

Teachers’ Union Says Democratic Candidates for Sheriff and Freeholder Will Be “Advocates for Our Students, Our Schools”

[SOMERVILLE, NJ] – The Somerset County Education Association endorsed Democrats Darrin Russo for Sheriff and Melonie Marano for Freeholder in the upcoming November elections. Russo and Marano have made county support for public education a cornerstone of their campaigns, and this endorsement recognizes their commitment.

“The Somerset County Education Association is proud to announce the endorsement of Melonie Marano for Somerset County Freeholder and Darrin Russo for Somerset County Sheriff,” said Dan Epstein, President, Somerset County Education Association.  “As educators, we recognize that the decisions made by elected officials have a profound impact on our students and public education, so it is critically important that educators become involved in the process and support candidates who will be advocates for our students, our schools and our profession.”

“I am committed to transforming the Sheriff’s office into a community partner, partnering not only with local government agencies, but also with our municipal and county schools. I am honored the Somerset County Education Association endorsed my campaign,” said Russo. “The Sheriff’s office should be a great partner to schools in these times of mass shootings and the opioid crisis, but the current leadership hasn’t been that partner and my opponent has pledged to continue along the same path.”

“Getting the endorsement of Somerset County’s teachers, the professionals who are most committed to our children and their education, is a great honor,” said Marano. “As Freeholder, I will move to expand the Vo Tech in partnership with our other public schools, and offer expanded opportunities for high school students to benefit from RVCC. We are one vote away from finally providing the funding and leadership necessary for our county education dollars to benefit everyone.”