Zunic Seen as Likely Choice for Mayor

Less than two weeks after municipal elections were held in Cedar Grove, the mayoral reins showed their first signs of changing hands last night.

Although every incumbent seeking re-election in Cedar Grove won another term, what remains to be seen is who will hold the title of mayor for the next year. In Cedar Grove, the mayor is not chosen by the voters. Voters elect council members who then choose one of their own for the position once a year.

At last night's staff meeting, Mayor Robert O'Toole initiated a non-binding straw poll to gauge the opinion of the governing body. Councilman Joseph Chiusolo nominated Deputy Mayor John Zunic for the position, which Councilman E. Romeo Longo, who was just elected for a two-year term, seconded. The governing body unanimously agreed.

Zunic is an attorney who serves as the municipal prosecutor for the Borough of Fairview. He was elected to his first term on the Council in 2009. He has not yet served the township as mayor, though he has been Deputy Mayor since July, 2010. Tradition has frequently dictated that the person occupying the Deputy Mayor's position is usually asked to serve as mayor in the following year.

In April, it was announced that Zunic will be seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for state senator in the GOP-dominated 40th Legislative District at the June 7 primary, however, Zunic said he threw his hat in the ring only when asked by party leaders.

Also nominated for a leadership role by the governing body is longtime councilman Joseph Chiusolo. Councilman Peter Tanella nominated Chiusolo for the position of deputy mayor, which was unanimously supported by his colleagues. 

Chiusolo has served the Cedar Grove Council since 1997, and has served as mayor three times in the township.

Last month, Chiusolo announced his bid for Essex County Freeholder in District 4, which includes Verona, Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, Roseland, West Caldwell and West Orange.

Chiusolo previously mounted an unsuccessful bid for Essex County Executive against Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. in 2005.

Chiusolo owns Totowa- and Jersey City-based Turn Out Uniforms, which provides uniforms and protective gear for police, fire and other emergency personnel.

The straw poll taken by the governing body is non-binding, and could change up to the township's annual reorganization meeting, which is scheduled for Friday, July 1 at noon, at which time the new mayor will be sworn to a one-year term, and Councilmen Tanella and O'Toole will be sworn in for four-year seats on the Council.