Robert Sabello makes no bones about it. He’s not about to hide his age from anyone. “I’m proud to say I just turned 80 years old,” said the once and current mayor of Guttenberg, who was officially sworn into office during a ceremony at the Community Center on 71st Street Wednesday night. “I love this town and even though I’m an old man, I’m a dedicated man and I’m about to prove it.” Wednesday’s ceremony was the culmination of a long six-month haul for Sabello, who served the township in many capacities during his 40-plus years of public service, including being mayor. He was asked to make a return to public office to head a Democratic ticket that would signify a change in political philosophy, different than that of former Mayor Peter LaVilla. Sabello served as a town councilman for 26 years, as a state assemblyman for six years (1966-71), and as mayor from 1977 to 1981. He recently retired as the town’s housing director. Sabello won a heated primary in June, then rolled to an unopposed election in November. Wednesday, he took the oath of office for his two-year term and vowed a term of change for the township. “I want to make an honest appeal to all citizens regardless of their political beliefs,” Sabello told a crowd of approximately 250 interested onlookers. “Citizens who have a sincere desire to help this mayor and council achieve those end results needed to make Guttenberg a better place to live in and to work in. Added Sabello: “It is my honest desire to be the kind of mayor that explains his actions and is never afraid to admit my mistakes. There are decisions that will and must be made in the best interest of this town and its people. I have always tried and will continue to express my opinion in such a way as to leave no doubt in the minds of the listener. However, I will never be afraid to hold my own opinion in abeyance until I hear the opinions of others.” There were some critics that felt that Sabello was too old to hold public office. His speech Wednesday gave no signs of his being a weary soul, but rather a vigorous fighter, ready to take the reins of the town he has lived in since he was six months old. “I built my beautiful dream home in Jackson 37 years ago and thought that’s where I was going to retire and stay,” Sabello said. “Instead, I sold it and came back to Guttenberg. That’s just the way I am.” Sabello continued to downplay the rumors that he was merely a political figurehead. “As your mayor for the next two years, my first resolve is to be my own man,” Sabello said. “I have no intention of standing still or doing business as usual. Nor do I intend becoming a whipping boy for anyone or any group. I still see a reservoir of faith in my integrity to serve. I hope that there are no doubts in my ability to cope with the hard business of municipal government.” Sabello added, “The negative views still held by some people I hope will not obscure the fact that I feel deeply about the town of Guttenberg, its people and its problems. What I stand for will never be different than what I actually do. It is my hope and I know I speak for the entire council when I say, collectively, we will look to develop new ideas and programs that will be followed through effectively.” Sabello then became stern, drawing the attention of other political leaders in attendance, including County Executive Robert Janiszewski, West New York Mayor Albio Sires, Union City Mayor Rudy Garcia and Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “I understand quite well the responsibilities that go with the office of mayor,” Sabello said. “And I know that I will be occupying a spot on center stage, that my rating as such will certainly be scrutinized and rightfully so. However, all I would ask from this governing body is a fair evaluation as we strive to provide a standard of honesty and integrity in government.” Sabello vowed to make improvements in municipal services and said he was going to try to stabilize the tax rate, although an increase was approved right before he took office. He also mentioned maintaining the township’s excellence in education and in police and fire coverage, as well as providing more programs for both the youth and the senior citizens. “Above all, we have to be responsive to the needs and requirements of all our citizens,” Sabello said. “I intend to meet regularly with this citizens’ group. I will get their constructive criticisms, their input and their suggestions.” Sabello promised to take the citizens’ concerns to the council for the regularly scheduled meetings and public hearings. “I want to assure everyone that I am indeed proud to be serving as mayor of Guttenberg once again,” Sabello said. “I will dedicate myself to fulfilling your trust. I need your help and respectfully ask for it. I appeal to all citizens to close ranks. Together, we can keep Guttenberg a place where friends and neighbors can live together in harmony and peace.” Sabello left the podium to rousing applause, then presided over the first township council meeting of his new term. New council members David Delle Donna, Javier Inclan and John Schwartz were also sworn in, joining incumbent councilmen Carlos Garcia and Edward Huebsch. “I’m not the type of guy who is going to sit here and hold people’s hands,” Sabello said later. “If I have something to do, I’m going to do it. I have a group of nice, young conscientious people with me on the council. We see change. And they see something in the old guy. We’re going to put our minds together and it’s going to be a good thing. I’m anxious and excited to be a part.”