Six candidates are competing for three openings on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Board is comprised of nine members who are elected to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election each year. The Freeholder Board sets policies for the operation of the County, while day-to-day operations is supervised by an appointed County Manager.

Three Republicans, none of whom have previously held an elected office, are hoping to shake up a Board that has been made up of Democrats for decades.

Up for election today:

Alexander Mirabella, of Fanwood, Democrat, currently serving as chairman of the Freeholder Board

Mohamed S. Jalloh, a Democrat, from Roselle, finishing up his first term

Bruce H. Bergen, of Springfield, joins the incumbents on the Democrat side.

Republicans challengers: 

Diane Barabas of Westfield

Stephen Kozlovich of Union,    

Krzysztof Chris T. Nowak of Cranford