There appears to be some movement on the nomination of Bergen County Democratic chairman Louis Stellato to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had been expected to consider Stellato’s nomination two weeks ago, but State Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-Demarest) had refused to sign off amidst questions over Stellato’s residency.
Gov. Phil Murphy has agreed to withdraw Stellato’s nomination to replace former Bergen County Republican chairman Bob Yudin and renominate him to the seat currently held by Michael Ferguson, a former Republican congressman.
Murphy has agreed to allow Yudin to remain on the Sports Authority for one more year, the New Jersey Globe has learned. Sources say that George Helmy, Murphy’s chief of staff, had become personally involved in finding a solution to the stalemate.
Cardinale told the New Jersey Globe that he has agreed to take a serious look at Stellato’s nomination and not dismiss it with a no.
“We’re making progress,” Cardinale said.
Stellato has said he would step down as county chairman upon his confirmation to the Sports Authority. The snag has created a delay in scheduling a special election to replace him.
Fairview Public Works director Paul Juliano is viewed as the leading – and perhaps only – candidate to replace Stellato.