CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF
Richard Berdnik With the sudden departure of longtime Sheriff Jerry Speziale just over a month ago, Passaic County Democrats had to quickly come up with a replacement candidate. After securing the backing of Passaic County Democratic Chair John Currie and Congressman Bill Pascrell, 30 year Clifton officer Richard Berdnik has emerged as the party’s selection. “I was active in the PBA but I never held office,” said Berdnik, a Clifton Police Lieutenant. “It’s been something I’ve really always thought about. It’s considered an honor to be sheriff. It’s something I’ve always aspired to do. When former Sheriff Speziale left, the opening was created and I just put my name in.” The Democrats’ bid to retain its hold on the Sheriff’s position rests on the shoulders of political newcomer. “I guess the fact is I’m running on my qualifications. It is very clear I’m not a politician,” said Berdnik. “This is my first time running for public office. My concern is the taxpayers and the citizens of Passaic County. I expect to represent their interests.” Given the state of the nation’s economy, smart spending will likely be the focus in November. In the months leading up to the election, the Sheriff’s Department spending has come under scrutiny, with calls to scale back funding. Berdnik said he’s heard these complaints, adding that he plans to continue to explore cutting efforts that started in 2008. “We’re in tough economic times, that’s clear. We must balance between public safety and fiscal responsibility,” explained Berdnik. “The way I plan to do that, if elected, is to go in there and do a full assesment of each and every division in the Sheriff’s Dept.” The candidate also said that would like to reestablish the role of the Sheriff’s Dept. “Maintaining the jail, maintaining the safety of the court house,” he stated. “There’s a civil process too. Warrants and serving papers. There’s also an enforcement bureau and a community policing aspect of that.” Though the presence of Sheriff units at County parks like Weasel Brook or on County roads like Main Ave. has been criticized in the past, Berdnik feels that having additional officers is generally beneficial. “By patrolling the County parks and the handling of responsibilities there allow Clifton, Passaic or whatever 32
October 2010 • Clifton Merchant
municipality to focus their efforts elsewhere,” he explained. “Some of the things the County is involved in, like crime scene investigations, that allows for cities to put an additional officer on its streets. It’s important that the sheriff be able to communicate effectively with city officials, city leaders and, of course, local police chiefs.” Though he acknowledged that review is necessary to make sure that municipal and county services do not overlap, Berdnik said mosts times the units coexist and benefit residents. “It’s only fair that you have a period of time for reviewing what’s being done and how things are being done,” said Berdnik. “To implement positive change, you require an assesment period to see where you can combine services or do other changes.” Such reorganization may free up bodies or funding to bolster special programs like the internet crimes unit. “They seek to arrest people that prey on our children,” the candidate explained. They have an excellent record, 150 arrests at least and they haven’t lost a case.” Berdnik said that a department-wide reorganization will put money and manpower where it is most needed, supporting street crimes and narcotics units, and programs for seniors to create awareness about internet scams, identity theft and other issues. “You can either be proactive and attempt to stop crime before it happens, or you could be reactive,” said Berdnik. “Unfortunately, being proactive is hard to measure. It’s hard to say what you’re trying to prevent. It’s hard to measure, but [taking a proactive approach] has definitely had an impact.”