Five Questions With Cedar Grove Incumbent E. Romeo Longo

E. Romeo Longo has lived in Cedar Grove since 1954 and has served three four-year terms and two unexpired terms on the Cedar Grove Township Council.

As a lifelong resident he has been a part of many Cedar Grove organizations including Cedar Grove UNICO, Cedar Grove Planning Board, Community Development Block Grant and Library Board of Trustees.

Longo says his extensive experience makes him a worthy candidate in the May 14 election.

“Being on the council affords me the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” he said.

What issues are important to you as a resident?
As a life-long resident I would like to maintain the quality of life that Cedar Grove has to offer. A desirable community in which to raise a family. A great educational system, Varied housing that offers starter homes for young families to estates to affordable senior housing.

Maintaining a police force that is second to none. Our many volunteers that provide our fire department, our ambulance and rescue squads. Our many recreational programs. The community pool which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.  

To maintain this we must keep taxes a low as we can without a reduction to municipal services.

What other organizations or bodies have you been on/been a part of?
Growing up in Cedar Grove I had the opportunity to participate in the baseball league, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Drum and Bugle Corp of VFW Post 6255 and an altar boy at St Catherine’s. Lifetime member of St. Catherine’s Church.

In my adult years I am a proud member of Cedar Grove UNICO (since the early 90’s), I serve on the Cedar Grove Planning Board (since 1989). Over the years I have served as secretary, vice chairman and chairman.

I am the regional representative to the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) for Essex County; I am the representative to the Regional Flood Control Board for Cedar Grove, Little Falls and Woodland Park. Served as Vice Chairman and Chairman.

I am a proud member of the Cedar Grove Public Library Board of Trustees.

What makes you qualified for this position?
One word “experience.” I was first elected to the council in 1995. I was a municipal employee as the Tax Assessor for Fairfield, Little Falls and Verona. My experience with municipal budgets and the need to maintain the ratable base all contribute to my qualifications.

What issues do you plan to tackle if re-elected/What changes do you plan to make if re-elected?
During these hard economic times we must keep focus on the bottom line of our budget. Each year we must start from ‘square one’ of our budget and analyze line by line. What may have saved us one year may not the following year. The Hilltop property is yet to be resolved. We must continue to take a strong stance for the preservation of this site.

What have been some of the biggest challenges on the council and how did you resolve them?
One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining the budget and keeping within the state-mandated requirements. We have done this and have not cut any municipal services. We must continue to scrutinize the budget line by line with maintaining municipal services.