ENDORSEMENT STATEMENT OF MASON MAHER

First, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to be here for this special announcement. Your presence truly means the world to us and underscores the significance of today’s event. Thank you for your ongoing support and for sharing in this memorable moment with us.

I, Mason Maher, along with my esteemed colleagues Troy Oswald and Alex Cruz, stand before you today with a profound sense of duty and urgency. It is a time of decision, where clear-headed leadership is not merely a choice but a necessity for our beloved Passaic County.

We have deliberately chosen Vera Ames Park as the venue for today’s press conference, a site that stands as a living homage to the indomitable spirit and relentless dedication of retired Paterson City Councilwoman Vera Ames. Her tireless efforts transcended the boundaries of the 4th Ward, touching the lives of all within our great city. Councilwoman Ames served with an unwavering commitment to public safety and a profound understanding that the well-being of a community is foundational to its prosperity. Today, as we discuss the future of Passaic County, we do so inspired by Councilwoman Ames’s legacy, reminded that our responsibilities extend beyond mere governance to the safeguarding and enrichment of our community’s lives.

After long and careful consideration and conferring with my team, we come together to voice our unwavering support for a man whose dedication to public safety and leadership has been the hallmark of his career—Sheriff Jerry Speziale.

I can recall, with vivid respect, the numerous occasions in my capacity as the President of the Superior Officers Association for the Paterson Police Department, when Sheriff Speziale worked tirelessly alongside me. Together, we championed the welfare of the superior and rank and file officers, ensuring their voices were heard and their well-being was prioritized.

Under Sheriff Speziale’s vigilant watch, we witnessed a notable downturn in crime, restoring peace and security to the residents of Paterson. His approach is one grounded not in the whims of politics but in the welfare of our community. This is the leadership we acknowledge, applaud, and so earnestly need.

It is with deep reflection and unshakeable confidence that I along with my colleagues Troy Oswald and Alex Cruz, endorse Sheriff Speziale. We commit ourselves to drive the campaign forward, knowing that his victory is imperative.

Additionally, we lend our support to the entire team aligned with Sheriff Speziale’s vision—Sean Duffy, Derya Taskin, and Pedro Liranzo for Passaic County Commissioners. Together, we anticipate crafting a safe, secure, and prosperous future for all our residents.

To my faithful supporters who have supported us in the past and continue to support us, I extend a heartfelt appeal to stand with us once more. Your invaluable trust and unwavering support have always been the backbone of our community’s progress. Today, I urge you to channel that same spirit of unity and purpose towards endorsing Sheriff Jerry Speziale and his dedicated team in the upcoming Primary Election on June 4, 2024, and again, in the General Election on November 5, 2024. Together, we can continue to foster a legacy of safety, unity, and prosperity for every resident of our beloved community. Your vote carries the power to sculpt our future—let us cast it in the direction of experienced leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.

As we move forward, armed with a clear vision and united purpose, we are ready to work tirelessly towards securing victory. Our commitment is not just to a campaign, but to the very essence of community and public service that Sheriff Speziale and the team embody. With unwavering dedication, we will engage with our community, listen to their needs, and act as pillars of support and change. This election is more than a political milestone; it’s an opportunity to reinforce the foundations of safety, trust, and progress for our beloved residents of Passaic County.

It would be remiss of us not to recognize the lasting impact made by the late Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik and to extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

This endorsement is more than a statement—it’s a commitment to partnership, vigilance, and the unwavering belief that under Sheriff Speziale, Passaic County will rise to meet the challenges of our times with strength and integrity.

With humility, but resolute conviction, we stand with Sheriff Jerry Speziale. Join us.