It’s Apropos

Mayor-Elect of Tinton Falls
Vito Perillo AP

We all know that November 7, 2017 was Election Day in New Jersey and the hottest race was who be our next Governor. Phil Murphy, as most polls predicted, became Governor-Elect, and Shelia Oliver became Lt. Governor-Elect. Our hope is that they will bring prosperity to the citizens of New Jersey.

Also concluding the week was honoring our Veterans on November 11, 2017. I often go to sleep with the radio on. If I wake up in the middle of the night, sometimes the program I’m listening to has a very interesting topic or a person that they’re discussing or interviewing. My ears were amplified, and my eyes became wide open when they talked about a 93-year-old World War II Veteran, Vito Perillo, who became the new Mayor of Tinton Falls. He did it the old-fashioned way: with printed flyers going from door to door. I don’t know how much he relied on more modern methods such as social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Each day, he and his neighbor would map out each street they wanted to walk the following day.

According to reports, at first his family thought he wasn’t serious, but when they saw he was committed, they were all in, especially one of his grandsons. This was the first time Perillo ever ran for any political  office, and he decided to go right to the top.

Here’s my wish for Mr. Perillo: have a very healthy and successful first term as Mayor and if you wish to seek a second term, I say go for it – full speed. You, sir, are an inspiration for all ages.

Watchung Hills Regional High School Board of Education Elect Freddie Hayeck AP

On the flip-side, Freddie Hayeck an 18-year-old Class President of Watchung Hills Regional High School Senior Class has been elected to that town’s Board of Education. It is refreshing that this high school senior is very interested in having a say in how the school funding should be spent. He could be a voice for his fellow students from a different perspective, since he is in school most of the day. He  will be very accessible because of this. Who knows what the future will bring. This could be a stepping-stone for Hayeck to seek a higher office. Who knows? We could be looking at a future mayor or governor.

As a matter of fact, I would say to Perillo and Hayeck to go for the gold ring (the presidency). Congrats! C.M.