George A. Spadoro

George A. Spadoro is an American Democratic Party politician who served three terms as Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, and two terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represented the 18th Legislative District.

Biography

Trained as a lawyer, he is a senior law partner in the law firm Spadoro and Hilson in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. On January 1, 2008, Spadoro joined David Samson, the former New Jersey Attorney General as a partner in the law firm, Wolff & Samson.

Spadoro first ran for public office in 1978, challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Edward J. Patten in the primary election and receiving 41% of the vote.[1]

Spadoro served as an Edison Township Councilman for eight years between 1981 and 1988, serving as Council President from 1987 through 1988. Spadoro demonstrated an unending commitment to open government, the safety and security of Edison residents and senior citizens, and the preservation of the environment.

From 1988 to 1991 (two terms), he represented District 18 in the New Jersey General Assembly. As Assemblyman, Spadoro sponsored the New Jersey Bias Crimes Act. He became Chairman of the State Assembly Transportation Authorities, Telecommunications, and Technology Committee. One of Spadoro's major accomplishments as Assemblyman was his sponsorship of the New Jersey Bias Crimes Act, which has become the primary vehicle for the prosecution of bias-related crimes in New Jersey. Spadoro was elected mayor of Edison Township in November 1993, taking office on January 1, 1994. He won a second term in 1997, defeating seven challengers. In the landslide victory, Spadoro received 14,081 votes. His nearest competitor, Republican Eileen Germain Teffenhart, received 5,782.[2]

Over the course of his first term, Spadoro led the Edison community through its most serious disaster—the March 23rd Texas Eastern pipeline explosion and fire at the Durham Woods Apartment Complex. In this role, he has fought to improve pipeline safety conditions and has become a nationally recognized figure for pipeline safety reform nationwide. During the 37 years he has lived in Edison, Spadoro has served on the Board of Directors of Keep Middlesex Moving Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting transportation issues, opportunities, and alternatives in Middlesex County. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for both the Garden State Games and the Environmental Management Hazardous Waste Institution. Spadoro created Edison's Senior Citizen Housing Agency and sponsored the unique Senior Citizens' Set Aside Ordinance, which forced developers of multiple-unit dwellings to designate 10% of the total number of units for low and moderate income senior citizens. He led the fight to halt the construction of two incinerators in Edison and voted to save the Dismal Swamp. In 1988, he organized the Edison Township Waterfront Recreation Area Study. His leadership allowed him to author and enact New Jersey's strongest financial disclosure law which won him praise from many grassroots citizen organizations and government reform groups. The Director of New Jersey Common Cause, referred to Spadoro's legislation as "a real reform, not just cosmetic reform...a major milestone in reforming the way New Jersey State government operates."

Seeking a fourth term, he was defeated in the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary by Jun Choi.[3] Reasons cited for Spadoro's loss include a split in the local Democratic party,the loss of union support due to the approval of a Walmart retail store, a large turnout of first-time Asian voters due to the New Jersey 101.5 radio controversy. For more information on the election, see Edison, New Jersey#Election 2005.

Spadoro has three children, Katherine, Emily, and Michael Spadoro.

References

  1. ↑ Barone, Michael; Grant Ujifusa; Douglas Matthews (1980). The almanac of American politics 1980: the Senators, the Representatives, the Governors--their records, states, and districts. E. P. Dutton and Company. p. 565. ISBN 0-525-93086-8.
  2. ↑ Pristin, Terry (November 5, 1997). "THE 1997 ELECTIONS: OTHER RACES; New Jersey Voters Pick Local Officials and Decide on Changes in Government". The New York Times. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Choi Wins Big Upset in N.J.". AsianWeek. June 22, 2005.
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