One of the newest faces to West New York’s municipal leadership, Commissioner Alberto Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of Hudson County. Rodriguez serves as the Commissioner of Public Works, and since taking office has been instrumental in the clean streets initiative launched by the Town. The initiative has entailed putting more workers on the streets spread out at different times to ensure cleaner streets and greater efficiency. New snow melting materials have been purchased, as well as new Green Machines, which are mobile street sweepers that can cover more areas. The department has also purchased their first graffiti removal unit to ensure the streets are free of graffiti.
Growing up in neighboring North Bergen, Commissioner Rodriguez always had an interest in politics from a young age. While at Fordham University, he majored in Political Science, was a member of the Young Republicans, and interned at the New York City Mayor’s Office during the administration of Rudy Giuliani.
After college, Rodriguez started working at the New York City Office of Emergency Management from 2000 to 2001. Commissioner Rodriguez worked the recovery operation during 9/11. From 2001 to 2003 Commissioner Rodriguez attended the University of Miami working towards his graduate degree in International Administration. At that time he also worked for the Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management as a recovery and mitigation planner. His duties included coordinating plans in response to the aftermath of an emergency including shelter operations and damage assessment. Upon completing graduate school, Commissioner Rodriguez moved back to New Jersey and settled in West New York. He is married to a lifelong West New York resident and is the proud father of their son Maximo.
Commissioner Rodriguez was asked to join Mayor Sal Vega’s ticket during the May 2007 election. Rodriguez said he joined the ticket because he wanted to be a part of the process to help make a difference in West New York. “I wanted to have a say in everyday operations and management of the Town,” said Rodriguez. “I care about my town and want to make a positive contribution to it.”
Rodriguez also runs the newly formed WNY Division of Cultural Affairs started this past year.