West New York Mayor Silverio A. Vega has been a longtime resident and one of the Town of West New York’s biggest advocates. Immigrating from Cuba in 1967 to the United States at the age of 10, Mayor Vega and his family settled into the then dominantly Irish and Italian community of West New York. As a young man, he worked alongside his father at a local restaurant in order to help support his family.
While attending Memorial High School, Mayor Vega was given the nickname of “Sal”. He also became a star athlete in track and was selected All State and All American. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. While in college he competed in the finals of the United States Olympic trials, and was the ninth ranked marathon runner in America at the time.
In 1984, Mayor Vega was appointed to serve as a member of the West New York Rent Control Board. Later in 1986, he was appointed to serve on the Board of Adjustments. Three years later, in 1989 he became a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education. Additionally, between the years of 1987 and 1997, Mayor Vega served as aide to then Assemblyman, and later Senator, Bernard Kenny.
After earning his college degree, Mayor Vega returned home to West New York and began teaching physical education in 1980. By 1988 he became the athletic director of his alma mater, Memorial High School. Mayor Vega has continued to serve as athletic director for over 20 years.
In 1991 Mayor Vega was elected as Commissioner of the Town of West New York under the administration of the late Mayor Anthony M. DeFino and he continues to serve till today. During his tenure as Commissioner, between the years of 1991 and 2006, Mayor Vega served as the Director of Revenue and Finance, Parks, Public Property and Recreation, and Public Safety.
Mayor Vega served ten years as a member of the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders between the years of 1997 and 2007. During his last eight years, he served as Chairman, which is the longest term in the history of Hudson County. He left the position to become a member of the New Jersey State Assembly representing the 33rd District from 2006 to 2008.
In 2006, Mayor Vega was appointed Mayor by his fellow Commissioners and in May of 2007 was elected to a full term as Mayor. During his tenure as Mayor, he has made residency a strong requirement for municipal employees, including but not limited to the Town Attorney, Police Director, Public Works Superintendent, and by recommending a new Superintendent of Schools with local roots. The Mayor is pleased to see significant improvements in all of these areas. In addition, the Mayor has created many additional activities in order to aid our local children and senior citizens.