North Arlington mayor wants McGuire's job

With speculation that Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire may be appointed U.S. Marshall, North Arlington Mayor Peter Massa today floated his own name for McGuire’s current job.  

Massa, a former police and sheriff’s officer , issued a press release stating that he’s “very interesting in exploring this option should Sheriff McGuire resign” and outlining his qualifications.

“I've earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration as well as attended law school. I've worked in the Sheriff's office as well as the North Arlington Police Department where I retired as sergeant and I'm currently employed with a major bi-state agency with the rank of captain. I've served on both sides of the table in a collective bargaining capacity as PBA president as well as the head of a school board and municipality,” he wrote.  “I believe my professional, educational and political credentials make my candidacy one that's tough to beat come election day.”  

If McGuire is tapped for the federal position, an acting sheriff will be appointed by Governor Corzine .  That will not necessarily an easy choice.  State Sens. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), Bob Gordon (D-Fair Lawn) and Gerald Cardinale (R-Demarest) – some of whom have recently shown a willingness to block appointments – would all have to sign off on the choice.  If McGuire is tapped before September of this year, a special election will be held for the post in November.  

McGuire faces competition for the post from Bergen County Freeholder Tomas Padilla and former Mercer County Sheriff Samuel Plumeri.  U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-Fair Lawn) has already endorsed McGuire in a letter to U.S. Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D-Hoboken).