Corrado Also Takes Oath of Office
TRENTON – Senator Colin Bell was sworn into the New Jersey State Senate today, where he will represent the people of the 2nd Legislative District.
“I am deeply honored to represent the residents of the 2nd Legislative District in the Senate and to continue my work to improve the quality of life for the people of Atlantic County,” said Senator Bell. “As a resident of Atlantic County and former freeholder, I know well the challenges that face families in our region. I am excited to begin working with my colleagues to advance policies that will secure a better future for our residents both in Atlantic County and across the state.”
Senate President Steve Sweeney administered the oath of office to Senator Bell in the Senate Chamber.
“Colin has served at the local level and has demonstrated a passion for public service. He has a proven record of developing and advancing policies to benefit the residents of Atlantic County. He brings experience, enthusiasm and expertise to the Senate where I know he will continue fighting for the people of Atlantic County and all of New Jersey,” said Senate President Sweeney. “On behalf of the Senate, I welcome Senator Bell and look forward to working with him to build upon our successes.”
Senator Bell is a fifth generation resident of Atlantic County. He grew up in Hamilton Township, where he attended Hamilton Township public schools and then graduated from Oakcrest High School. After college and law school, he returned to Atlantic County where he served as an Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor before moving into private practice. In 2012, Senator Bell defeated a two-term incumbent to win election to an at-large seat on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. As a freeholder, Bell fought for jobs programs for veterans, housing assistance for homeless veterans and victims of Hurricane Sandy, and increased transparency and accountability in county government.
Bell was appointed to the New Jersey Senate on September 5, 2017 to succeed the late Senator Jim Whelan.
“Senator Whelan has a lasting legacy in Atlantic County and will forever be remembered as a fighter for the region. I will work tirelessly to ensure the people of the district continue to receive the representation they deserve in Trenton. As someone who has fought for the residents of Atlantic County, and for jobs, housing and other assistance for those most in need, I know what it takes to get the job done,” said Senator Bell. “I’m thrilled to be able to continue my work on behalf of the residents of Atlantic County at the state level.”
Senator Sweeney also administered the oath of office to Senator Kristin Corrado who will represent the 40th Legislative District. Corrado replaced former Senator Kevin O’Toole, who vacated the seat to serve on the board of commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“I welcome Kristin Corrado to the Senate. While she has big shoes to fill, I know she will work passionately to represent the people of the 40th Legislative District. I look forward to working with her across the aisle on behalf of the residents of the state,” said Senate President Sweeney.
The 40th Legislative District includes the municipalities of Allendale, Cedar Grove, Franklin Lakes, Ho-Ho-Kus, Little Falls, Midland Park, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Ridgewood, Riverdale, Totowa, Waldwick, Wayne, Woodland Park, Wyckoff in the counties of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic.