It anyone had any doubts about Anthony M. DeFino – the son of former Mayor Anthony DeFino – running for mayor of West New York, the release of his 21-page book “If I were Mayor of West New York, New Jersey” last August should have warned the political establishment.
His slate is called “Hope for the Future” and includes Michael Corso, DeFino, Gabriela Reynoso, Armando Galis-Menendez, and Maria Melendez.
It will face off against other slates in the May election including two prominent ones fielded by Mayor Felix Roque and his arch rival Commissioner Count Wiley.
In West New York’s form of government, residents elect five commissioners to part-time positions, and they choose a mayor from among themselves. It’s usually obvious during the election who the mayor will be.
Famous father
DeFino brings a very famous name into the race.
He is the son of former Mayor Anthony DeFino, who served for 24 years from 1971 to 1995.
And in the midst of the political bickering that has plagued West New York over the last four years, the DeFino name resonates among many people as symbolic for a more stable past.
“I am running with four normal West New Yorkers, properly representing the diversity of West New York.” – Anthony DeFino
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Indeed, Roque and Wiley, who are former allies, have been involved in heated political battles in the last few years. They have exchanged allegations against each other, and Roque has been indicted on a federal charge of hacking into an opponent’s web site (he was acquitted).
The issues
DeFino said West New York needs a change in the infrastructure, selected development that guarantees to protect the future of the town.
He said the town needs a new recreation center, and should bring back the basketball courts that were torn down. The town needs to build another pool and put more police on the street, including along the waterfront, he said.
“[We have] the same amount of police officers on the force now as in 1995,” he noted.
DeFino said he has the same dedication to West New York as his father did, and intends to be a full-time mayor. DeFino said he understands that it is imperative to continue his late father’s legacy.
A lifelong resident of West New York, DeFino studied political science at William Paterson College and Montclair State University. After college, he worked for the Division of Social Services in Hudson County, and began his political career working for then-Assemblyman Luis Romano.
He is currently a member of The United Action Group, which is a charity association that assists the residents of Hudson County.
The other members of the third ticket
Armando Galis-Menendez is a Cuban-American, born and raised in West New York. He attended Saint Joseph’s grammar and high school, where he became very involved in sports and student government. He attended Rider University, after which he became a real estate agent. He is a Freemason and a member of The Foundation of International Humanitarian Aid, where he has been recognized for his service and dedication while working on disaster relief aid between the USA and Dominican Republic.
Gabriela Reynoso-Peralta born in the Dominican Republic, moved to West New York when she was 11 years old. She is product of Memorial High School, where she served as vice president in the International Club and other groups. After high school she joined the United States Navy where she spent eight years on active duty. While on duty, she was injured while working on an aircraft and received an honorable discharge. She is currently a member of The Foundation of International Humanitarian Aid, where she has been recognized for his service and dedication while working on disaster relief aid between the USA and Dominican Republic. She is a West New York committee woman, a member the American Legion and the VFW. She also holds the position of secretary at a local food bank.
Maria Melendez was born in San Agustian, El Salvador, migrated to the United States in 1980, and has lived in West New York ever since. Her late husband was mayor of San Agustian. She raised her children after her husband’s death, educated herself and has worked in the Hemodialysis unit of Holy Name Hospital for the last 25 years. She works with a number of local charities.
Mike Corso attended St. Joseph Grammar and St. Joseph’s Boys High School, where he played football and basketball. He attended Rutgers University. For several years, he coached the West New York Little League program as youth recreation basketball and football programs. Corso was the assistant to the late Mayor DeFino and is a local civic leader. He is former president of the West New York Tenants Association, and served as director of the West New York Department of Tenants Relations under Mayor DeFino. He also served as director of the Department of Housing Administration for the town of West New York. He has also served as vice chairman and board chairman on the West New York Planning Board.
For stories on the other candidates, see the past and upcoming issues of the West New York Reporter online at hudsonreporter.com.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.