Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. Will Seek 7th Term
DiVincenzo highlighted his 23 years as county executive by pointing to major improvements in Essex County’s landscape, both physically and administratively. He said he remains proud of his accomplishments and continues to bring the same passion and enthusiasm he had when first elected.
He emphasized his commitment to representing Essex County’s approximately 850,000 residents, noting that public service remains a central motivation in his decision to seek reelection.
Before becoming county executive, DiVincenzo served for more than a decade on the county board of commissioners, formerly known as the board of freeholders. That experience, he has said, prepared him for the responsibilities of executive leadership.
His decision to run for a seventh term is rooted in his continued enthusiasm for the role. DiVincenzo told Montclair Local that his love for the county and the work itself drove his choice to seek reelection.
“I love my job, I love this county,” he said, adding that he wants to continue pushing Essex County forward and building on existing progress.
One of the hallmarks of his administration has been the overhaul of the county’s parks system. Essex County parks and the Turtle Back Zoo have earned state recognition and have become models for revitalizing neglected or underused properties.
DiVincenzo also credits his administration with significantly improving the county’s financial standing. Under his leadership, Essex County’s credit rating rose from junk bond status to an AA+ rating.
Looking ahead to a potential seventh term, DiVincenzo said he aims to continue maintaining and improving county facilities while addressing affordability challenges facing residents, including rising healthcare and pension costs.
He identified keeping taxes low as his top priority, followed closely by preserving the quality of county infrastructure and ensuring that facilities remain well maintained.
According to county spokesperson Anthony Puglisi, county taxes have increased at an average rate of 2.03 percent over the past 20 years, placing Essex among the lower tax-growth counties in New Jersey.
To manage costs, DiVincenzo has relied on alternative funding sources such as federal, state, and local grants, as well as revenue generated from the sale of county-owned properties. He said ensuring sufficient revenue is a core responsibility of his role.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration launched widespread testing and vaccination efforts, including mass sites and mobile clinics at schools, community centers, retail locations, and houses of worship. As county executive, DiVincenzo oversees seven departments and works closely with the board of commissioners to manage services ranging from infrastructure maintenance to social programs.
