Granados becomes newest freeholder as democrats fill Sullivan vacancy

UNION COUNTY — Sergio Granados, an Elizabeth resident, has become the newest Union County Freeholder, filling a vacancy on the Board.

Granados assumes Sullivan’s vacant Freeholder spot, which expires at the end of December this year. Sullivan resigned last month, creating the vacancy. Granados was sworn in Thursday night after being selected on Tuesday by the Democratic Committee to succeed Sullivan.

“I thank the members of the Committee for their support and confidence in me,” Granados said. “I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and energy to County Government and am honored to be working with a team of Freeholders who continue to work hard to provide high quality services to our residents.”

As per his philosophy and work ethic, Granados quipped he “would not be the one who crams to learn but understands to learn.”

“I do not intend to rush through issues and seek quick fixes,” Granados said. “My goal is to take a holistic, fair and reasoned approach to solutions.”

Chairman Linda Carter welcomed Granados to the Board.

“Sergio, as someone who has governmental experience, will be able to hit the ground running,” Carter said. “My colleagues and I look forward to working with him in moving Union County forward.”

Granados said he would emphasize communication and outreach, saying he looks forward to their input and that of the public’s, adding he will be someone who will “always listen to your concerns.”

Granados, a resident of Elizabethport who is of Portuguese and Salvadorian descent, is a graduate of Kean University and Elizabeth High School. He works as a Supervisor in the City of Elizabeth’s Health Division where, among his responsibilities, he conducts budget analysis, policy implementation and training.

“I look forward to working with County administrative officials in seeking out efficiencies and shared services,” he said.

As Freeholder, Granados said he would focus on economic development, job training and job creation initiatives, shared services, fiscal issues–and education.

“I believe everyone should have the means to further their education,” he said. “It’s a ladder—often the only ladder available to low and middle education families – that will hopefully lead the young generation to real job opportunities in the 21st century. These are the people I am here to represent—working class residents and our families.”