Freeholder Elizabeth Calabrese
Elizabeth Calabrese was elected to the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2004 and currently serves as Vice Chairwoman. As Chairperson of the Human Services Committee, Freeholder Calabrese is a strong advocate for the welfare of the poor and elderly. She is also an active member of the Health Services and Labor and Personnel Committees.
Freeholder Calabrese also serves as Chairperson of the Special Services School District Board of School Estimate, as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Social Services and represents the Freeholder Board on the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund, and the Municipal Advisory Council.
In January 2006 Freeholder Calabrese was appointed by Governor Codey to represent Bergen County on the New Jersey Highlands Council. The Highlands, which covers over 800,000 acres in the northwest portion of the state, provides clean drinking water to over half of New Jersey's citizens. The 15 member council was charged with adopting a regional master plan to protect the drinking water and other important natural resources, while providing measures for landowners and the economic viability of the region. Freeholder Calabrese served on the Council from 2006 to 2009.
Elizabeth served her community of Wallington as a borough councilwoman from 2000 to 2010. She was the first Chairwoman of the Recreation Committee as well as the first female Fire Commissioner.
Elizabeth and her family immigrated to the United States during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. As a result of the positive economic, social and educational influences provided by this county and her community, she has dedicated herself to public service. She has always served with pride and dignity and believes that respect in public service is earned by dedication to constituents.
Freeholder Calabrese and her husband Charles have been residents of Wallington for 33 years. They have three daughters, Lauren, Christina and Julianna.