Ruane is sworn in as at-large councilman

In a statement made after Mayor Mark Smith cast the deciding vote to make him a City Council member, Terrence Ruane said he sought the position because he cared about the city and was concerned about rising taxes.
“This is my opportunity to defend and protect all that I love about Bayonne,” he said. “I hope to be a voice for the people in this community, and stand up for them.”
Postmaster Ruane, 55, began his career in the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in 1975. He served as a letter carrier in Bayonne for 12 years, and was vice president of the union local of the National Association of Letter Carriers. In 1987, Ruane was promoted to supervisor of Delivery and Collection at the Bayonne Post Office, and held that position for three years. In 1990, Ruane became tour supervisor at the Bayonne Post Office and served in that role for seven years. He was vice president of the Hudson County Postal Supervisors from 1988 to 1995. In 1997 and 1998, Ruane was officer in charge of the Avenel Post Office. Ruane also served as officer in charge at post offices in Rahway, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Plainfield, Jersey City, and Maplewood. Since 2002, he has held the rank of postmaster in Avenel, Linden, and Bayonne. Out of his 35-year postal career, Ruane has spent 25 years in Bayonne.
Ruane is a graduate of Marist High School, where he was vice president of the Student Council. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology at Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University). He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in 1971. Ruane spent most of his time in the Army in Europe, working with the public information office, taking military pictures and writing for Army publications.
He is married to the former Marie Contaldi. They are the parents of Terrence and Nora. Ruane is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Bayonne.
“I learned at a young age the art of compromise,” he said, announcing that he would seek the office in the November special election. “I do believe the people should decide.” – AS