Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony “Stick” Romano (D-5) is retiring, looking forward to private life and is also not supporting Ron Bautista to succeed him despite having broad Democratic party support, he told HCV.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
“I had spoken about it in previous months, it wasn’t a surprise about me not running, combined with the time to enjoy other pursuits,” Romano said over the phone today.
He was sworn in for a second full term as chair in January of this year as his sixth and final term come to an end.
The retired Hoboken police captain said he had been contemplating retirement for some time, ultimately coming to terms with that decision around September or October, though largely kept that conversation private.
Other than wanting more free time to spend with his family, he also wants to reprioritize his family business running the oldest bar in Hoboken: Louise & Jerry’s Tavern located at 329 Washington St.
“I was at Ground Zero and I got cancer, so it’s time to enjoy life,” Romano added.
Another key factor was the endorsement of Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour backing his would-be opponent Bautista.
Yesterday, the two new mayors joined other prominent Hudson County Democrats in announcing consensus endorsements County Register and all nine commissioner seats, which included Bautista.
“When you don’t have the support of the two mayors that you represent and it’s mayor’s choice, I wasn’t going to start a war over it. It’s time. They wanted their own choice, I’m assuming … It wasn’t that I was pushed out. I don’t run from a fight,” Romano said.
He emphasized that he had made the decision not to run long before Solomon and Jabbour formally joined HCDO Chair Craig Guy, and others, in backing Bautista, who he defeated in 2020 and 2023.
“I’m not angry or bitter or nothing. I was contemplating it. Change is always inevitable. They want their people,” the board chair added.
Romano said he was surprised at the HCDO announcement to endorse Bautista given the history, particularly on Jabbour’s part, but noted that he ultimately respected their choice.
Regardless, he underscored that he would not offer his support to Bautista as his replacement.
“No, absolutely not: Not supporting it,” Romano stated.
While he had spoken about not running to other commissioners and the HCDO last year, he wasn’t expecting them to endorse Bautista.
He noted Bautista’s sentiments against the organization that he has expressed in the past when running against Romano and in general.
“I absolutely won’t support it because he was against the HCDO: I was surprised at the pick.”
Romano made it clear he isn’t going anywhere for the rest of his term, indifferent that is Bautista is most likely set to ascend to the seat without a challenge.
He said that he will remain active in the Hoboken and Jersey City communities, continuing to engage with his constituents in other meaningful ways.
“I’m still here, they know me: I’m there always, one thousand percent.”
Romano touted his over a decade-and-a-half tenure and numerous accomplishments on the board, including as vice chair and chairman, since he was first elected as a commissioner in 2008.
According to Romano, who is 70 years old, he is not sure if he will run again for the seat or any other office in the future.
“Obviously you always leave doors open. I gave it all as a commissioner and as chair. I gave everything I have in me. So, you know, we’ll see what God brings.”
Romano said he is looking forward to other ways to serve the community, thanking residents, the board, and other elected officials who have supported him over the years.
“It’s always been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of not only my district, but all of Hudson County,” Romano concluded.
“I’ll continue to serve as a commissioner until the last day of my term, and I’ll continue to always serve the people in other ways. Whatever doors God opens, I’ll go in.”
“I’m grateful to everyone and to all the people that supported me from every different ethnic and religious group. I’m very humbled and grateful.”
The filing deadline for the June 2nd primary is today at 4 p.m.