ABOUT COMMISSIONER ANTHONY L. ROMANO
Commissioner Anthony L. Romano is a third-generation Italian-American born in Weehawken, New Jersey. He attended Joseph F. Brandt and Sts Peter and Paul grammar schools, St. Peter's Preparatory High School, and St. Peter's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and secondary education. Later, he attended New Jersey City University, where he received a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
After college, Anthony taught Physical Education and History at Hoboken High School for seven years while coaching PAL basketball and baseball. In 1995, he became an adjunct professor at St. Peter's University, teaching Sociology and Criminal Justice. Additionally, he served as an instructor at the Jersey City Police Academy until it closed.
Anthony Louis Romano, Jr. dedicated his life to public service, beginning his career as a member of the Hoboken Police Department for 32 years. He rose to the rank of Captain and was Commander of the community policing unit and the midnight tour. He was also assigned to the Hoboken Counter-terrorism task force, for which he received citations and commendations several times from the City of Hoboken and the State of New Jersey.
Anthony's passion for serving his community led him to run for public office. He was elected First Ward, 2nd District committee person from 2001 to 2009, and from 2006 to 2009, he served on the Hoboken Board of Education, helping negotiate a contract settlement for teachers who had been without a contract for four years. In 2009, he was elected Hudson County Commissioner, representing Hoboken and Jersey City Heights, and has been serving since then. He is also currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Deputy of Public Safety for the City of Hoboken.
During his tenure, Commissioner Romano championed the largest road resurfacing program that fixed all the county roads in Hoboken. He secured funding for the Hoboken Historical Museum, Hoboken Library, and the Hoboken Cove Walkway, while also working to improve and upgrade various parks in Hoboken and Jersey City. Additionally, he worked to get as many services from Hudson County for Hoboken and Jersey City while fighting against county tax increases. He sponsored an ethics reform package that required all employees to undergo annual ethics training, supported the creation of the minority and women enterprise office in the County, and helped evolve the Hudson County Correctional Center into a rehabilitation center. He is also a strong supporter of the Reentry Program and the Vision Zero Plan.
Outside of his official duties, Anthony is deeply involved in his community and is a member of numerous organizations, including the Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, NJ Honor Legion, International Police Association, Italian-American Police Association, NAACP, Dante Alighieri Society, and Washington Park Association. He is an Executive Board member of the Fraternal Order of Police and 200 Club, and an Associate Member of N.O.B.L.E, H.A.L.E.A, and M.A.L.E.A.
His dedication to public service and his community has earned him numerous accolades and recognition from his colleagues, constituents, and organizations.
