Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr.

Everett E. Garnto Jr.'s extensive experience in community service, law enforcement, and education has provided him with a well-rounded perspective in his role as the Mayor of the City of Garfield. Everett is a dedicated family man, proud father of four and grandfather of three, with a deep commitment to family values and a strong sense of community. Iris, his girlfriend, along with his children and grandchildren, are the heart of his world. Everett, a proud resident of Garfield for over 30 years, has shown unwavering dedication to his hometown, reflecting his deep commitment to the people and places that have shaped his journey. His passion for public service stems from a desire to foster a city where families can grow, businesses can succeed, and every resident feels empowered to reach their full potential.

Everett has consistently demonstrated his leadership and vision by actively engaging with local organizations, advocating for community-driven initiatives, and championing projects that enhance the quality of life for all. Whether it’s supporting youth programs, improving infrastructure, or promoting economic development, Everett believes in creating opportunities that benefit generations to come. His approachable nature and ability to connect with people on a personal level have earned him the trust and respect of his neighbors.

With a forward-thinking mindset and a heart for service, Everett is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive Garfield—one where every voice matters and every dream is possible.

Community Involvement
His commitment to Garfield spans many years and includes extensive involvement in youth sports and the Boys and Girls Club Coaches Association. As a dedicated coach, he has guided teams in soccer, flag football, T-ball, basketball, Purple Wave Wrestling, Junior Boilermakers Football, and Little League Baseball. Through his mentorship, he has instilled values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership in countless young athletes. His unwavering belief in investing in the next generation has helped shape strong community bonds and empowered youths to succeed both on and off the field.

Law Enforcement Career
For nearly three decades, Everett served Garfield as a dedicated law enforcement officer before retiring in January of 2024. His career highlights include: Everett’s long service in Garfield stands as a testament to his commitment to public safety and the well-being of his fellow officers. Over the years, he built a career marked by leadership, advocacy, and a deep dedication to his community.

As President of the Garfield Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #46 for 12 years, Everett played a pivotal role in representing and advocating for the interests of law enforcement officers both locally and at the state level. In addition, his 13 years as State Delegate allowed him to influence the broader scope of law enforcement policy and priorities in New Jersey, giving him a platform to push for improved working conditions, fair treatment, and resources for officers.

Beyond his advocacy work, Everett’s leadership extended to key roles in the Bergen County PBA Conference and various state committees, where he collaborated with other law enforcement professionals to address systemic issues and enhance policing standards for the 70 municipalities in Bergen County. These leadership positions gave him a nuanced perspective on the complexities of law enforcement, as well as the collaborative efforts necessary to drive meaningful change.

As a Detective Sergeant in the Detective Division, Everett led critical investigations, showcasing his expertise in solving cases and ensuring public safety. His role was integral to maintaining law and order in Garfield, and his ability to manage complex cases speaks to his skill set and dedication to justice.

Furthermore, as a Resiliency Officer for the Garfield PBA Local #46, Everett demonstrated an understanding of the importance of mental health in policing. His focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of his colleagues reflected his commitment to ensuring that officers not only performed their duties with integrity but were also supported during the emotional challenges of the job.

These diverse roles and experiences have given Everett an intimate understanding of Garfield’s unique challenges. His leadership, commitment to officer welfare, and hands-on experience in investigative roles have equipped him with the tools necessary to continue serving the community, protecting its people, and enhancing public safety even in retirement. His deep connection to Garfield, both through his career and his advocacy, remains an enduring part of his legacy.

Education Leadership
Everett has proudly served on the Garfield Board of Education for nearly seven years, including three years as BOE President and another three as BOE Vice President. During his tenure, Everett played a pivotal role in addressing the educational needs of Garfield’s students and families.

He was instrumental in securing significant advancements for the district, including the development of a new sports complex at Garfield High School, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities to excel both athletically and academically. Under his leadership, the Board also achieved monumental progress in expanding educational infrastructure by obtaining funding and approvals for three new schools:

    •    School 10, which is now serving the community.
    •    School 5, currently under construction.
    •    A third school, now in the planning stages, set to begin after the completion of School 5.

Everett’s dedication to education has been unwavering, as he consistently advocated for resources, programs, and facilities that enhance learning opportunities for all Garfield students. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the city’s educational landscape, ensuring future generations have access to quality education in an environment that fosters growth and achievement for all children.

Vision for Garfield
As Mayor of Garfield, Everett is committed to addressing key issues that matter to residents, including:

• Transparent Governance: Promoting accountability and open communication.
• Affordable Living: Advocating for affordable housing and equitable economic development.
• Responsible Development: Preventing overdevelopment and preserving Garfield’s character.
• Ending Nepotism: Championing fairness and merit-based opportunities.
• Reforming Ineffective Programs: Redirecting resources to initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the community.

Above all, Everett believes in creating an inclusive environment where every resident feels valued, heard, and free to express their opinions without fear of retaliation.

Commitment to Garfield
Everett’s vision is for a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Garfield. He is dedicated to fostering a city where opportunity abounds, and every resident feels a sense of pride and belonging. With honesty, integrity, and steadfast leadership, Everett is passionate about serving the residents of Garfield as Mayor and collaborating with them to shape the city's future.

Together, let’s build a Garfield we can all be proud of.