This year has the borough’s former mayor, Joseph DeIorio, asking for residents to have him represent them again as an elected official. Starting out as a fourth ward councilman, Mr. DeIorio became Roselle Park’s mayor for 16 years and left office in 2010. Seven years later, the lifelong Roselle Park resident sat and had an in-depth conversation on his past work experience as mayor, his time away from office, and his plans if elected as council-at-large.
The conversation was in two parts due to the fact that one restaurant was closing and the interview had to be continued elsewhere.
It is to be noted that Mr. DeIorio’s competitor for the council-at-large seat – current Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Connelly – did not interview after repeated requests in person, via phone calls, and through e-mails as well as texts., and negotiations. That matter will be addressed in a separate article.
For now, this is the first in a two-part conversation with Joseph DeIorio, candidate for council-at-large.