Reginald Bledsoe

A few weeks ago, I spent time with students from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration at the Essex County Hall of Records as part of our partnership focused on LGBTQ+ policy issues in Essex County.

What began as a planned visit turned into an unexpected and meaningful conversation with Commissioner President Pomares and Vice President Murray-Thomas, who took time to speak with students about how county policy is shaped.

Moments like this don’t happen by accident. I’m grateful to County Executive Joe DiVincenzo for creating space within county government for learning, access, and real civic engagement. Watching students realize their work could influence real decisions was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.