After weeks of under the radar intrigue and in a move that has powderkeg potential in a volatile political county, Hudson County Undersheriff Frank Schillari of Secaucus today declared his candidacy for sheriff.  

"I will reorganize the department to increase efficiency, boost morale and make sure we spend taxpayer money wisely," said Schillari. "My primary focus will be on providing our residents the safety and security they deserve."

A U.S. Navy veteran and retired Secaucus police sergeant, lifelong Hudson resident Schillari has been with the department since 1997.

Schillari is challenging Sheriff Juan Perez.

Hudson sources say this Schillari candidacy represents a triumverate of backing from North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack, and Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith. Presiding over two behemoth cities, Sacco and Stack potentially bring in the littler towns in their vicinities, too - respectively the west and north Hudson satellite countries of Secaucus, Harrison, Weehawken, Hoboken and West New York.

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy - chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Organization - would like to see Perez get the county line.

"I'm trying to sway everyone to go with the incumbent because his resume is better than anyone we have," said Healy. "He's a retired captain on the state police and the first Hispanic sheriff in Hudson County. I would prefer that Juan would be the candidate again. He has earned the spot again."

Sources say Perez especially irked the North Hudson political contingent when he refused to put a police presence in their county parks while stepping on the boots of local law enforcement officers by having his officers make traffic stops on the roads.

Up for re-election next next year and confronted with Perez versus Schillari, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise wouldn't pick a side, but hinted at support for Schillari.

"They're both quality candidates and I would have no problem working with either one of them," he said. "Countywide officers - we get ourselves elected by gathering support from the mayors. Juan has had difficulty with some of the mayors."