Exclusive Interview with Essex County Freeholder Rolando Bobadilla: Is he becoming the new Anthony Imperiale of Newark? To Millburn Home Invasion suspect, "This piece of SH@*$

• Today we have an interview with Essex County Freeholder Rolando Bobadilla who in recent months is really setting himself apart from other leaders with his no nonsense approach to crime and seeking justice. On the Millburn home invasion, where suspect Shawn Custis is seen brutally beating a mom on video nearly to death in front of her three year old, Bobadilla said this on his facebook page:  

"Please circulate this picture to all your friends and other social media outlets. This piece of shit person violently attacked a woman while her 3 year old watched. Contact Crime Stoppers if you have any information..."  In another post on Facebook where he was rear ended he said," To the idiot who rear-ended me on North 7th St. NJ license plate G17 ....I'm about to file a hit and run report at 1 Lincoln. Have a nice day when the detectives pay you a visit." We made the decision not to publish the whole license plate. Many feel his bold no nonsense approach to crime and other issues is refreshing in a time of political correctness. Read his very interesting interview here:
1. You're a former Brooklyn resident who came here to work at the North Ward Center as a senior Administrator and Director of Human Resources. In 2011, you were appointed to fill the unexpired term of Essex County Freeholder, Juan Rivera. How do you feel you have done in serving Essex County residents? 

Yes, I was appointed to serve the unexpired term upon his resignation, after which I went on the ballot to get elected by the people I represent, to serve a full term.  I believe that during this time, I have served my constituents well.....that being said, there is always more work to do, than there is time to get the job done.  I have supported local block groups with their back to school back-pack campaigns, various recreational, and cultural activities. I have donated to church drives and even collaborated with a local business to sponsor a blood drive (yes- I gave blood).  I continuously assist individuals and families in need of immigration advice and help ( I chair the ICE committee for the county).  I believe there is much work to do, but I don't look at it as a punch-list.  I'm dealing with real people with real-world issues, needing real-world help. 

  2. What piece of legislation are you most proud of and why?
 Last year, I wrote the resolution to have Latino Heritage Month officially put on the Board of Chosen Freeholders annual calendar.  It's important to recognize and honor some of our local residents, heroes and role models, who represent the greater Latino population here in Newark.  This year, on September 18, the Board will honor another set of outstanding individuals, in recognition of Latino Heritage Month.

3. What problems do you feel are most pressing in Essex County and what solutions do you have?

Essex County is pretty diverse throughout all of our municipalities.  District 1, which I represent, encompasses most of Newark, and a pressing issue for me in my district is the crime rate, and limited access to high quality education.  Bottom line - we need more police out on the street.  I have a very good relationship with Newark PD, but they are out-manned, not out-worked. We also need more access to high quality education.  To me, I don't care if it's charter or public district schools - I look at it this way.  Let's say a high quality education is a golden egg - well, I really don't care if the egg came from a chicken or a duck....as long as I have the golden egg.  What future do we have as a viable productive community, if we can't have access to high quality education at all grade levels?
4. Crime in Essex County has been very disturbing to many residents, what are some solutions?

More cops, more cops, more cops.

5. Essex County residents also pay some of the highest property taxes in the state, how are you helping to reduce taxes?

 Essex County is continuously exploring and initiating revenue sourcing programs to try to leverage the tax burden passed to its citizens.   The more successful we are at generating revenue, passing a balanced budget, and helping create a surplus.....the better positioned we are keeping taxes at bay.  Unfortunately, past administrations have not been so fiscally responsible and the buck got passed to the home owners.  I help support the administration when leverage opportunities can help alleviate the tax burden.

 6.Your family is obviously most important to you and you want them to live in a county that is safe, prosperous and welcoming. Do you feel that you are doing all you can to fulfill that and please give specific details?

I try to not only represent my community, but also support it.  I shop and dine locally, I support and work closely with the police department and several neighborhood groups.  I routinely walk the parks and participate in many outdoor activities.  I have a good line of communication with many school administrators, I assist families in need.....but there's more to do.  In the next couple of months, I will host several immigration seminars and I will sponsor several domestic violence campaigns throughout the city.

7. Speaking of family, the Essex County violent home invasion in Millburn drew a strong reaction from you and many across the county, and the world. What more can we do to keep our residents safe?

 First, we need more police.  Secondly, we need to get more residents engaged in developing neighborhood pride.  I'm a true believer that if you want change...it can't be given to you, you have to actively participate in the movement towards change.
 
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