The Senate Judiciary today unanimously passed the nomination of local public defender/prosecutor Mark Musella of Wood-Ridge for the office of Bergen County Prosecutor.

“Mark will continue to put his mark on the office,” said state Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36), who presented Musella to the committee. If passed by the full senate, Musella will take the job vacated by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

The son of an Italian construction worker, the nominee choked up when he referred to his ascent to the county prosecutor’s office as the fulfillment of his late father’s American dream.

“No crime will be ignored, no crime will passed upon. We will investigate anything that is brought to my attention,” said Musella, a registered Republican.

State Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39).

“I think we’re going to have a good succession of another very good prosecutor in Bergen County,’ said Cardinale.

“It’s been a long road,” state Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37) told Musella when she questioned him.

“Yes, judge,” he said.

He caught himself.

“Senator,” corrected the career trial attorney.

Weinberg was positive.

Everyone was positive.

“I know you’re going to do a wonderful job,” said state Senator Joe Lagana (D-38).

Musella’s nomination later cleared the senate as a whole.

“On behalf the Bergen County senators, I want you to give a big welcome to our new Bergen County prosecutor,” Sarlo declared.

applause ensued.