Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr. has turned his back on the Democratic Party after years of affiliation, announcing his switch to Republican and his endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor. The decision unfolded at a lively rally in Garfield, where Garnto laid out his frustrations with the direction of the state under Democratic control.
A retired police officer who spent 29 years on the Garfield force and 12 years as president of the local Police Benevolent Association, Garnto brings a grounded perspective from his time in public service. Elected to the city council as a Democrat in November 2024 and later chosen as mayor by his colleagues, he’s no stranger to local politics. But Garnto explained that his party switch stems from deeper issues.
“Over the last seven and a half years, the policies that Murphy has put out, it’s ruining the state,” he said, referring to Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
This critique points to a broader pattern where state-level decisions have piled on economic burdens, from escalating property taxes to energy costs that hit working families hardest. Garnto, who once ran for the school board as an unaffiliated voter before joining Democrats at the urging of locals, noted how he’s voted across party lines in the past.
“In 2016 is when I first ran for the board of education and people in Garfield basically said, ‘Hey, listen, you should join the Democratic Party.’ I was unaffiliated at that time, and I just did, and since then, I’ve voted for Democrats, Republicans,” he recalled.
His history of flexibility underscores a pragmatic approach, one that’s led him to conclude that the Democratic agenda no longer aligns with the needs of everyday New Jerseyans.
Garnto didn’t mince words about the state’s woes. “The state is broken,” he declared at the rally, blaming “sky-high taxes, soaring electric bills, and less safe communities” on Murphy’s leadership. These problems have real consequences: families stretching budgets thinner as utility rates climb amid disputes with energy providers, while communities grapple with policies that Garnto sees as undermining law enforcement.
He revealed his own vote for Donald Trump in the last presidential election, adding that Trump “had it right about N.J. all along.” This admission ties into Garfield’s recent voting trends—the city, with over 30,000 residents and ranking as Bergen County’s fifth-largest municipality, backed Trump by nearly nine points in 2024, even after Murphy eked out a narrow win there in 2021. It’s a sign of shifting ground in what was once a Democratic stronghold, where voter registration and turnout reflect growing unease with progressive priorities.
Turning to his choice for governor, Garnto praised Ciattarelli as the solution. “New Jerseyans deserve better,” he told the crowd, describing Ciattarelli as “the right leader at the right time.”
He elaborated further: “I really believe Jack’s the man to turn Jersey around, to make New Jersey more affordable, lower the utility costs and make our community safer. Jersey’s an absolute mess, I’m honored to switch parties.”
These statements highlight Ciattarelli’s focus on core issues like affordability and public safety, which resonate in places like Garfield where residents feel the pinch of high costs and want leaders who back the blue without reservation.
Ciattarelli welcomed the endorsement, calling it a “courageous decision” and noting how it reflects widespread frustration. “People are upset all across the state with Phil Murphy’s failed policies in the last seven and a half years, all of which have been supported by my opponent,” he said earlier in the week on Fox News, zeroing in on residents “paying through the nose” for electricity.
At the rally, he expanded on the theme: “It’s not just Republicans who are crying out for change. It’s unaffiliated, independent voters and yes, even moderate Democrats who’ve come to the realization that this current administration has failed.”
Ciattarelli also took aim at the Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “The president will never have to worry about sending the National Guard in New Jersey because we’ll be a law and order state under Gov. Ciattarelli,” he vowed. “My attorney general will support local law enforcement. We’re going to take the handcuffs off, let the men and women in blue do their job to keep our communities safe.”
This pledge addresses longstanding concerns among officers and residents who prioritize effective policing over restrictive mandates from Trenton.
Garnto’s move isn’t happening in a vacuum. He’s the second Democratic mayor to back Ciattarelli in recent days, following Dover Mayor James Dodd, and joins former Democratic assemblyman Jamel Holley, who switched parties earlier this summer. Ciattarelli has also secured support from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and a “Complete and Total Endorsement” from Trump, bolstering his campaign’s momentum.
With the election just weeks away, these crossovers suggest a hunger for practical solutions over ideological experiments, potentially reshaping New Jersey’s political landscape. As Ciattarelli put it at the event, “With your help, we’ll get it done. Sixty-two days, all gas, no brakes.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
Better late than never.
New laws that penalize criminals that verbally insult, berate, or threaten police officers are needed. Such laws should not be plea bargained away. Such penalties shall start at $200 and up to $500,000. All fines must be paid in full before released from incarceration. The criminals wouldn’t get away with this verbally insult, berate, or threaten in front of a judge… yet the police are officers of the court!! Really need to remove plea bargaining altogether.
A career rat, deserting the ship and becoming a RINO.
Great. First we MAGA, then we tribunal to career RINOs.
True leadership is hard to find on the Left, so folks are changing Parties.