On the ballot this year, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco called on Bergen County Sheriff Mike Saudino to step down, in the aftermath of a WNYC report that alleges Saudino made racist comments about African-Americans and Attorney General Grewal, calling him ‘the guy in the turban’.  

Tedesco said, ‘having worked with the Sheriff for years, I am shocked and disappointed to hear these comments.  Bergen County’s diversity is our strength and his statements are clearly inconsistent with our values.  In the best interest of the public, he should step down’.

Governor Murphy earlier today called for Saudino’s resignation, as Bergen Democrats scramble to assess the situation.  Tedesco’s GOP opponent Norman Schmelz issued a statement tearing into Saudino, and county government.  BCDO Chairman Stellato also called for Saudino to step down.   Attorney General Grewal said Saudino should ‘resign immediately’ if the Sheriff is the voice on the audio.