Committee Assignments:
- Budget/Finance
- Community Development
- Law and Public Safety
- Organization and Internal Affairs
- Public Works
Freeholder Board Representation:
- African American Advisory Committee
Biography
Freeholder John D. Mitchell was elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in November 2010. During his first term in 2011, John served the Board as Chairman Pro Tempore. On January 3rd, 2012 Freeholder Mitchell was unanimously elected by both Republicans and Democrats to serve as Freeholder Board Chairman.
In 2011 and 2012, as Chairman of the Budget and Finance committee, Freeholder Mitchell introduced budgets that were reduced from the previous year. This was the first time in a quarter of a century that the County budget was actually cut in consecutive years and, significantly, in 2012, it was the first time ever, since the inception of a County Executive form of government, that there was unanimous Freeholder bipartisan passage of the County budget. The prudent budget cuts were a positive first step in reducing the burden on the County’s hard working taxpayers, while insuring that the core functions of government are maintained at the highest possible levels.
In 2013, Freeholder Mitchell is serving as a member of Budget and Finance, Law and Public Safety, Public Works, Labor & Personnel, Organizational & Internal Affairs and the Community Development committees. He is also a liaison to the African American Advisory Committee.
In conjunction with the leadership of the Korean American Community, Freeholder Mitchell led the effort to recognize the plight of the “Comfort Women” who were victims of sexual slavery during WWII. A permanent memorial in honor of the Comfort Women has been installed adjacent to the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack.
Freeholder Mitchell initiated the plan to streamline the process and reduce the cost of criminal expungement for minor offenses. This initiative will spur employment, add needed revenue to the tax base and reduce the rising cost of our criminal justice system.
Since Freeholder Mitchell has been in office, he recognized that a sure way to make Bergen County government more efficient and more cost effective for the taxpayer was to get the buy-in from hard working public employees. To that end, he established the “Taxpayer Advocate Award” to recognize County employees that have gone above and beyond in reducing the cost burden on the beleaguered taxpayers. To date, nine individuals/departments have received this prestigious award that has saved taxpayers over $33.5 million.
Given the current economic climate in our Country, Freeholder Mitchell has been working closely with many of the Chamber of Commerce organizations in Bergen County to promote job development and business growth. The focus of these efforts have centered on lowering property taxes, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and making these business leaders aware of cost effective and business friendly government programs.
To remain close to the issues affecting his constituents, Freeholder Mitchell has become a board member of the Heroes to Heroes Foundations. Heroes to Heroes addresses the needs of our returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Recently, Freeholder Mitchell was honored to join the board of directors at Brightside Manor in Teaneck. Brightside Manor is one of the premier assisted living facilities in Bergen County.
Additionally, the Freeholder has become a member of the Fort Lee Rotary enabling him to support worthwhile charitable causes and interact directly with the Bergen County business community.
In the private sector, Mr. Mitchell specialized in reducing government and taxpayer costs. Through his leadership, taxpayers saved over $25 million through innovative management, energy and environmental practices. He was also appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Energy to replicate taxpayer cost savings and environmental excellence on a national scale.
Freeholder Mitchell is also the President of the Epiphany Parish Council, Finance Committee Chairman and Lector in Cliffside Park. He is the former President of the Greenhouse Condominium Association Board and a former Vice President and board member of Visiting Neighbors, a not-for-profit organization providing volunteer services for seniors in need.
As an advocate for our youth, Mr. Mitchell spearheaded a corporate partnership, in conjunction with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, that successfully reunited children with their parents. He has successfully advocated for seniors, the blind, the disabled and for those suffering from HIV-Aids. As a strong supporter of the men and women that have courageously served our nation, Freeholder Mitchell was a proud corporate sponsor and volunteer for the U.S. Veteran Affairs Wheelchair Games. For his untiring and compassionate efforts, John was honored as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Lisker Congregation Synagogue.
Freeholder Mitchell resides in Cliffside Park and is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Business. He is married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. John is a proven leader and ready to respond to the needs of the public and is committed to do only what is in the best interests of the people of Bergen County.
In 2011 and 2012, as Chairman of the Budget and Finance committee, Freeholder Mitchell introduced budgets that were reduced from the previous year. This was the first time in a quarter of a century that the County budget was actually cut in consecutive years and, significantly, in 2012, it was the first time ever, since the inception of a County Executive form of government, that there was unanimous Freeholder bipartisan passage of the County budget. The prudent budget cuts were a positive first step in reducing the burden on the County’s hard working taxpayers, while insuring that the core functions of government are maintained at the highest possible levels.
In 2013, Freeholder Mitchell is serving as a member of Budget and Finance, Law and Public Safety, Public Works, Labor & Personnel, Organizational & Internal Affairs and the Community Development committees. He is also a liaison to the African American Advisory Committee.
In conjunction with the leadership of the Korean American Community, Freeholder Mitchell led the effort to recognize the plight of the “Comfort Women” who were victims of sexual slavery during WWII. A permanent memorial in honor of the Comfort Women has been installed adjacent to the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack.
Freeholder Mitchell initiated the plan to streamline the process and reduce the cost of criminal expungement for minor offenses. This initiative will spur employment, add needed revenue to the tax base and reduce the rising cost of our criminal justice system.
Since Freeholder Mitchell has been in office, he recognized that a sure way to make Bergen County government more efficient and more cost effective for the taxpayer was to get the buy-in from hard working public employees. To that end, he established the “Taxpayer Advocate Award” to recognize County employees that have gone above and beyond in reducing the cost burden on the beleaguered taxpayers. To date, nine individuals/departments have received this prestigious award that has saved taxpayers over $33.5 million.
Given the current economic climate in our Country, Freeholder Mitchell has been working closely with many of the Chamber of Commerce organizations in Bergen County to promote job development and business growth. The focus of these efforts have centered on lowering property taxes, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and making these business leaders aware of cost effective and business friendly government programs.
To remain close to the issues affecting his constituents, Freeholder Mitchell has become a board member of the Heroes to Heroes Foundations. Heroes to Heroes addresses the needs of our returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Recently, Freeholder Mitchell was honored to join the board of directors at Brightside Manor in Teaneck. Brightside Manor is one of the premier assisted living facilities in Bergen County.
Additionally, the Freeholder has become a member of the Fort Lee Rotary enabling him to support worthwhile charitable causes and interact directly with the Bergen County business community.
In the private sector, Mr. Mitchell specialized in reducing government and taxpayer costs. Through his leadership, taxpayers saved over $25 million through innovative management, energy and environmental practices. He was also appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Energy to replicate taxpayer cost savings and environmental excellence on a national scale.
Freeholder Mitchell is also the President of the Epiphany Parish Council, Finance Committee Chairman and Lector in Cliffside Park. He is the former President of the Greenhouse Condominium Association Board and a former Vice President and board member of Visiting Neighbors, a not-for-profit organization providing volunteer services for seniors in need.
As an advocate for our youth, Mr. Mitchell spearheaded a corporate partnership, in conjunction with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, that successfully reunited children with their parents. He has successfully advocated for seniors, the blind, the disabled and for those suffering from HIV-Aids. As a strong supporter of the men and women that have courageously served our nation, Freeholder Mitchell was a proud corporate sponsor and volunteer for the U.S. Veteran Affairs Wheelchair Games. For his untiring and compassionate efforts, John was honored as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Lisker Congregation Synagogue.
Freeholder Mitchell resides in Cliffside Park and is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Business. He is married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. John is a proven leader and ready to respond to the needs of the public and is committed to do only what is in the best interests of the people of Bergen County.
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