Retired Secaucus Police Sergeant Frank Schillari, who is Hudson County Undersheriff, has filed initial papers to run for H.C. Sheriff as a Democrat this year.

Schillari

Current H.C. Sheriff Juan Perez is also a Democrat, setting up a June 8 primary showdown. Schillari appears to have a fund raising challange ahead in facing Perez, who is sitting on a war chest last reported in a January filing at more than $126,000.

Schillari said in a statement, “”As Sheriff, I will reorganize the department to increase efficiency, boost morale and make sure we spend taxpayer money wisely.”

Schillari, who lives on Edna Place in Secaucus, filed initial candidate papers on Feb. 19 with the state.

Robert Baselice, executive director of the North Bergen Parking Authority, is listed as his campaign chairman, while his wife, Theresa, is treasurer.

Jacqueline Tuzzio, a Secaucus Library trustee, is also listed as a campaign officer.

PolitickerNJ.com said Schillari’s candicacy has “powderkeg potential in a volatile political county” as he carries the rumored backing of several H.C. mayors, with the exception of Jersey City’s Jerramiah Healy.

Schillari was appointed to his current county post in 1997 and oversees the sheriff’s office’s operation unit, which includes the department’s communications center, patrol and detective bureaus, bureau of criminal identification, and the record room.

His sheriff’s department bio says he is pursuing a B.A. in criminal justice at Caldwell College.