May 19, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Vincent J. Calcagno, who has served the former Washington Township and later the Township of Robbinsville with distinction since 1994, informed Administration and members of the Senior Advisory Council Tuesday that he will not seek re-election on Township Council with his current term set to expire on December 31.
Mr. Calcagno is a well-traveled and accomplished telecommunications professional, longtime resident of Robbinsville and the longest-tenured member of Council.
“I never imagined when I moved to Robbinsville in 1988 that I would be involved in local government in any way,” Calcagno said. “Then Ed Nelson stepped down from the Township committee in the old form of government. They asked me to run, and from there I was hooked on public service and community involvement. That involvement has benefitted me in every single facet of my life. I still very much enjoy it, but there are so many smart, talented young residents in town and they should have a voice for the next generations.”
Mr. Calcagno first was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Nelson in 1994 as part of the former Township Committee form of government, before serving two terms as Mayor in 1999 and 2004. He also was Deputy Mayor in 1998 and 2000. The January 7, 2021 reorganization meeting marked Mr. Calcagno’s seventh stint as Vice President. He continues to serve as Council liaison to the Senior Citizen Advisory Council and has been a staunch advocate for our senior community.
“When I first came onboard our Senior Center was empty and there were virtually no programs,” Mr. Calcagno said. “That really struck me and left a profound mark. Now, our Senior Center is thriving with incredible programs and it’s been a total team effort. That took the incredible work of many, many people, not just myself. We are all eager to have them return very soon in the aftermath of COVID-19.”
On June 25, 2020, Mr. Calcagno was one of 33 members elected to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame.
“I will miss being there to help solve problems,” he said. “I will miss being at the supermarket and listening to the questions and suggestions from our residents. I really will. My first question back to them was almost always: “What can we do to help?” I’ll miss that interaction. I’ll miss the people I’ve worked side by side with, from my fellow Councilmen and Councilwomen to Mayor (Dave) Fried, (Administrator) Joy Tozzi, (Senior Center Director) Renee (Burns) and all of our police, fire and DPW guys. The thing I enjoy most is that none of us who work for the town are ever satisfied. We don’t do the mundane. None of us are afraid to tackle big issues and big problems. The energy of the people who serve in those buildings has been an amazing thing to be part of. We want our residents to just focus on their family and their lives, and not worry about their local government. That’s been our goal and I feel very comfortable leaving Robbinsville in a place where residents can do just that.”
Photo provided by: Robbinsville Township