By Marivir R. Montebon
Jersey City – Mayor-elect Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, along with Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth, and Councilman Buddy Deauna will be sworn into office today Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 1PM at the Borough Hall on 98 N Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. Community celebration follows immediately at VFW Hall in Bergenfield.
Amatorio, an immigration lawyer, is the second Filipino-American to sit as mayor in the borough of Bergenfield. He won narrowly against incumbent mayor Norman Schmelz (R) with 2,803 votes versus Schmelz’s 2,637 votes.
In an interview by OSM! after his electoral victory in November 2019, Amatorio said his government will focus on stable taxes, infrastructure improvements, investment in sports and recreation facilities, and the city’s economic development.
Filipinos comprise 20% of the 27,927 Bergenfield population (2017 Census). The first Fil-Am mayor was Robert Rivas who held office from 2000-2002. In a borough form of government, the council acts as legislative body with the mayor as presiding officer. Appointments are made by the mayor with the approval of the council.
State Senator Joe Lagana, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and former Bergenfield Mayor Robert Rivas will conduct the oath-taking ceremony during today’s inaugural.
(Featured photo: Mayor Arvin Amatorio, center, with Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth and Councilman Buddy Deauna)
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