James Gallagher (American politician)

James Gallagher is an American Democratic Party politician, who was elected to the Passaic County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders for three-year terms in 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006.^[1] He served as deputy freeholder director in 2005 and as director of the freeholder board in 2003.^[1] Gallagher was since 2004 entitled to a US$28,500 annual salary as a freeholder, but did not accept a 2004 raise from $25,355.^[2]

Gallagher, the son of a Paterson, New Jersey fire captain, was born in Paterson, attended P.S. No. 25 and Paterson Catholic High School. In 1982 he obtained a degree in criminal justice and in 1984 a master's degree in urban affairs from William Paterson University.^[1]

Gallagher's experience in public service includes serving for six years on the Paterson Fire Department's emergency medical services. He worked for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, together with the New Jersey State Police, on the first state takeover of a municipal police department in the City of Camden. When the department was returned to city control, he assisted police chief Robert Pugh with the transition. Additional assignments included working in the "Distressed Cities Program," examining financial and operational procedures in a number of cities.^[1]

In 1990 Gallagher returned to the City of Paterson working directly for Mayor William J. Pascrell, Jr., as director of policy, planning and management. He coordinated the improvement of the city's solid waste recycling program.^[1]

In November 1995 Gallagher married Kim Kramer, the daughter of former Paterson Mayor, Lawrence "Pat" Kramer; they have one son, James Ryan Gallagher.^[1]

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