TETERBORO – When she was a child, women were either nurses and teachers, Bergen County Executive Kathe Donovan said today at her swearing in as the most powerful person in New Jersey’s biggest county. So much for that.
With her hand on the Bible, Donovan put this crowning achievement alongside her numerous others: Assemblywoman, state GOP chairwoman, Port Authority chair, and five-time county clerk.
“She brings to the office a level of dignity and grace that hasn’t been there for a long time,” said her emcee, Alan Marcus.
She thanked Marcus, the “volunteer general” of her campaign, extensively, as well as countless others.
Donovan was humble and exuberant in her remarks. Her mantra for office: “Do the right thing. First, last, and always.”
The crowd cheered as she announced her planned fight over “lame duck” actions of the outgoing Democrats, including appointments, pay raises, and other taxpayer-backed spending.
“Today is a day to talk about the future,” she said, a future of fiscal conservatism. “The days of wine and roses are over.”
Marcus read a letter from Gov. Chris Christie, who said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Donovan and is eager to work with her.
In introducing U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ09), Marcus half-joked, “He currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee, so we certainly gave him a seat at the podium.”
Rothman congratulated Donovan, noting her similarities to “my dear friend” U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ08), the target of a potentially politically-motivated shooting in Tucson yesterday.
“Very smart, a person of great integrity, someone who both sides of the aisle recognize as a good person, tough, and a fighter for her principles,” Rothman said of the two women’s likenesses.
“All the Republicans, all the Democrats, all the Independents,” Rothman said, “we’re rooting for you Kathe.”
While celebrating Donovan’s on the day, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) also remarked on the Giffords shooting.
“In New Jersey, we (appreciate) a robust (political) debate, but when that debate turns violent, it undermines our public democracy,” Menendez said.
He presented Donovan with a flag he had flown over the U.S. Capitol, and wished her luck.
Others in attendance included: State Sens. Gerry Cardinale (R-Demarest), Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), and Robert Gordon (D-Fair Lawn); Assembly members Charlotte Vandervalk (R-Westwood), David Russo (Ridgewood), Scott Rumana (R-Wayne), Robert Schroeder (R-Washington Twp.), Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), and Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood); Republican Freeholders John Driscoll, Rob Hermansen, John Felice, John Mitchell, and Maura DeNicola; Bergen Sheriff Michael Saudino; and Bergen GOP chair Bob Yudin.
