Joseph Vas

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Joseph Vas (born January 18, 1955) is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2004, where he represents the 19th legislative district. He is also one of the longest serving Hispanic mayors in American history and is recorded as the longest serving Hispanic mayor in New Jersey.^{[citation needed]}

Vas serves in the Assembly on the Commerce and Economic Development Committee (as Chair), the Budget Committee, the Education Committee and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools.^[1]

Assemblyman Vas has served Perth Amboy as its Mayor since 1990 when he became the first Hispanic elected to serve as the City's mayor. He has also served on the Perth Amboy Planning Board since 1990, on the Perth Amboy Zone Development Corporation since 1994 and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency since 1997.^[1]

As Mayor, Vas cleaned up over 1,000 acres (4 km²) of brownfields, cleaned up a carcinogenic spot from the city’s water supply and was involved in the installation of recycled plastics for the city’s waterfront bulkhead. During his tenure, greater than two billion dollars in private investment occurred.^{[citation needed]}

In 2006, Vas ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to fill the New Jersey's 13th congressional district seat Bob Menendez vacated to become a U.S. Senator, but was defeated by Albio Sires in the June 6, 2006, primary, 68% to 32%. Despite the uphill battle, Vas won 77% of the vote in Middlesex County, won the North Ward in Newark, captured several voting districts in the East Ward of Newark, in Jersey City and in Bayonne. Vas received statewide name recognition. Coming to New Jersey to campaign for Vas was Ohio Congressman and 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth.

Vas went head-to-head with State Democratic Leaders including Governor Jon Corzine, Senate President Richard Codey and Congressman Rob Andrews on the issue of the primary race. Vas did not have the party support in three of the four district counties but managed to receive the endorsements of the National Sierra Club, Garden State Equality, The Stonewall Democrats, and Democracy for America. Vas had the support of just four Hudson County elected officials. They are Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop, former Hoboken Councilwoman Carol Marsh, Bayonne Councilman-at-large Anthony Chiappone and Bayonne Councilman Gary LaPelusa. Vas's ticket in Union County picked up two City Council seats where Vas ran against Elizabeth's mayor and city council incumbents. Vas's political advisors are Barry Brendel and Vin Gopal.

Vas had decided not to run in the special primary election, also held in June, to fill the remaining two months in the 13th district.

In May of 2008, Vas was beaten handily by newcomer Wilda Diaz in the mayoral elections. Vas received just 39% of the vote, despite outspending his opponent by nearly 5 to 1.^[2]

Vas attended Vanderbilt University, studying Liberal Arts.^[1]

[edit] District 19

Each of the forty districts in the New Jersey Legislature has one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. The other representatives from the 19th District for the 2008-2009 Legislative Session are:

• Senator Joseph Vitale, and
• Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Assemblyman Vas's legislative webpage, New Jersey Legislature
• New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms
  • 2007 2006 2005 2004
• Web site for Assembly Re-Election
• Assembly Member Joseph Vas, Project Vote Smart