Local Politics
Vas was one of two Hispanic candidates who ran against incumbent George Otlowski in the 1988 mayoral race, with Vas coming in second, losing by 325 votes. Vas served as Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, beginning in 1990, when he became the first Hispanic elected to serve as the city's mayor. He was re-elected several times, but was defeated for reelection in 2008 by Wilda Diaz. He has also served on the Perth Amboy Planning Board since 1990, on the Perth Amboy Zone Development Corporation since 1994 and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency since 1997.
As Mayor, Vas cleaned up over 1,000 acres (4 km²) of brownfields, cleaned up a carcinogenic spot from the city’s water supply and was involved in the installation of recycled plastics for the city’s waterfront bulkhead. Vas is credited for turning around the City of Perth Amboy during his 18 year tenure as Mayor.
Read more about this topic: Joseph Vas
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