Joe Ferriero

Joseph A. Ferriero (c. 1957) is a American Democratic Party political leader from New Jersey, who is chair of the Bergen County Democratic Organization. Ferriero, an attorney by profession, is a resident of Old Tappan.Kelly, Mike. [http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/moreviews/The_misunderstood_kingmaker.html "Kelly: Ferriero, the misunderstood king-maker"] , "The Record (Bergen County)", March 9, 2008. Accessed March 26, 2008.]

As a resident of Dumont, Ferriero was elected to that municipality's Borough Council at age 20.Harrington, Sharon D. [http://www.northjersey.com/news/northernnj/13046732.html "Ferriero a Democratic empower broker; Bergen party blossoms under chief."] , "The Record (Bergen County)", January 26, 2003.]

Elected to his post as chairman in 1998, Ferriero wrested political control of Bergen County government from the Republican Party by 2001. Ferriero has been an effective fundraiser, collecting money and selecting candidates for races at the local and county level and in the New Jersey Legislature, and has spread funding statewide. Critics have noted that Ferrirero wields extensive power to select hundreds of employees in county government and to award no-bid contracts, many of whom have been involved in pay to play, receiving contracts in exchange for contributions. [Method, Jason. [http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041025/NEWS/70822024 "Bergen Democratic leader exerts influence locally, statewide"] , "Asbury Park Press", October 25, 2004. Accessed March 26, 2008.] Ferriero denies that there is any quid pro quo in awarding contracts, asking "Are you more likely to hire someone you have a personal relationship with over political events?... And so, if political events are a marketing opportunity or an opportunity for people to espouse who they are, then so be it." He also disputes the claim that he controls hiring, noting "Do I make recommendations as far as what they should be looking at from a political standpoint? Sure. Do I say, 'Oh, you need to hire this person or that person?' That's absurd."

Ferriero has had a long-running feud with State Senator Loretta Weinberg, who has stood steadfastly independent from Ferriero's organization. In 2007, Ferriero endorsed a ticket of Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes for Senate, and Cid Wilson and Ken Zisa for Assembly, to face off in a primary challenge against incumbents Weinberg, and her Assembly running mates Valerie Huttle and Gordon M. Johnson. [Gohlke, Josh. "June forecast: heated primaries; Intraparty squabbles promise lively races.", "The Record (Bergen County)", April 10, 2007.] In the face of flagging poll figures for his slate, an April 2007 deal was brokered by Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine, in which Ferriero pulled his three candidates off the ballot and agreed that he and the county party organization would support Weinberg and her running mates. [Carmiel, Oshrat. "Democrats close ranks in 37th District; Ferriero backs Weinberg, halts challenge.", "The Record (Bergen County)", April 13, 2007.] [Smothers, Ronald. [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/15njpol.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=ferriero+weinberg+corzine&st=nyt&oref=slogin "Democrats Make Peace in Bergen County"] , "The New York Times", April 15, 2007. Accessed April 2, 2008.]

Ferriero attended Fordham University and Hofstra University School of Law.

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