Bergen County GOP Executive candidate Norman Schmelz tore into incumbent Sheriff Mike Saudino – and county government – in the aftermath of a WNYC report alleging Saudino made racist comments, capture on audio.  

“It’s outrageous that that the top law enforcement official in Bergen County is espousing such hate and ignorance,” said Schmelz, the current GOP Mayor of Bergenfield.  “This calls into question other actions of our County Government and how decisions to prosecute, enforce laws, and investigate illegalities are conducted”. 

Bergen Democrats have been scrambling to assess the situation, while County Executive Tedesco called on Saudino to step down; earlier today, Governor Murphy called on the Sheriff to resign.  BCDO Chairman Stellato followed with his own call for Saudino to resign.   Attorney General Grewal said Saudino should ‘resign immediately’ if the Sheriff is the voice on the audio.   

“The battle to fight ignorance and hate is not over in 2018. Unfortunately it is staring right at us from County Government in Hackensack,” said Schmelz.