East Rutherford Mayor Jim Cassella's retirement marks end of GOP era

With the retirement of long-time Mayor James Cassella in December, East Rutherford, for the first time since 1970, will have a mayor who is not a Republican. 

After 24 years as mayor and almost 40 years in public office, Cassella said it's time to step down. He said he's disappointed no Republicans have stepped forward to run for mayor or council, which he said is reflective of a shift in demographics in the lower Bergen County township.

"I kept running because there were always some things that had to get done, but someone told me there will always be things that have to get done," Cassella, 73, said. "I've been looking at my age, and realized that at some point it's going to end, this is the time."  

Former councilman Jeffrey Lahullier, who was a Republican up to about a year ago, filed to run for mayor as a Democrat. All current council members are Democrats and two candidates seeking election in November are also Democrats.

"I'm the sole Republican standing," he said. "There has been a shift. There are more Democrats than Republicans in East Rutherford...demographics have changed considerably."   

The opening of The Monarch, a complex of more than 300 luxury apartments along Route 3, is indicative of the voting base changes in the borough, Cassella said. "They vote the party line rather than what's good for East Rutherford," he said.

Regardless of who the next mayor will be, he said the focus should be on a long-term plan for the borough. 

East Rutherford has an industrial history, but no more, Cassella said. The future plan should make use of its location in proximity of Union County and New York City he said. The plan should include housing that is more affordable than New York City and nearby Hoboken and making good use of the public transportation available to residents.

"The future, in my mind, is creating livable residential housing — apartments, condos — for younger people who will benefit the local restaurants and businesses," he said.

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East Rutherford residents lived and worked in the borough for industrial giants such as Becton Dickinson. Today, Cassella said, residents get into cars, buses and trains and commute to New York City and Hudson County. 

"I'm not saying we missed the boat on this, but we have wasted a lot of time already," he said about a future plan.

Cassella, whose grandparents emigrated from Italy and settled in the area, began his public life on the board of education in 1980. He ran for council in 1981 and lost, but was successful in 1984. On Jan. 1, 1996 he was sworn in to the mayor's post where he has remained. 

The retiring mayor worked in sales for a tire company until his retirement about a decade ago. He worked for the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority for five years as well.  

Cassella plans to remain in East Rutherford and stay active with the New Jersey League of Municipalities. 

Advice to future mayors: "If you're going to do this, it shouldn't be number 9 or 10 on your list. Make it a priority." He said he missed two council meetings in the 40 years in office — for the deaths of his father and uncle.

The new mayor will be elected in November and be sworn in Jan. 1, 2020.

Email: Sportelli@northjersey.com