Arvin Amatorio
Arvin Amatorio | |
|---|---|
 Amatorio in 2024 | |
| Born | |
| Nationality | Filipino-American |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, politician |
| Known for | Mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey |
Arvin Amatorio is a Filipino-American attorney and politician, currently serving his second term as the mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a two-term councilman and council president. Amatorio is the second Filipino to serve as mayor of Bergenfield.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Amatorio was born and raised in Baler, Aurora, Philippines, to public school teachers.[3] He earned a degree in economics from Colegio de San Juan de Letran and later obtained a Juris Doctor from San Sebastian College in Manila.[4] Amatorio immigrated to the United States in 2002.[3] He is pursuing a master of liberal arts in international relations at Harvard University.[5]
Career
[edit]While still in the Philippines, Amatorio worked at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in 1996.[4] He later worked at the defunct Economic Intelligence and investigation Bureau under the Department of Finance before it was deactivated.[6]
After immigrating to the United States in 2002, he was admitted to practice law in New York in 2006.[4]
From 2006 to 2019, he practiced immigration law in Bergenfield, New Jersey.[4][7]
Political career
[edit]A member of the Democratic Party,[8] Amatorio was first elected to the Bergenfield Borough Council, serving two terms as councilman and council president in 2015 and 2018.[2][9] He was considered as a replacement for former Assemblyman Joseph Lagana in New Jersey's 38th legislative district, but the position went to Chris Tully, Amatorio’s former colleague on the Bergenfield Council.[10]
In 2019, he was elected mayor of Bergenfield, the second mayor of Filipino descent, after Rober Rivas.[11][12] He defeated two-time incumbent Republican Mayor Norman Schmelz in a fiercely contested race, prompting Amatorio to file a defamation lawsuit against Schmelz.[13]
Amatorio was re-elected mayor of Bergenfield in 2023, running unopposed.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Amatorio met his wife, IIya Evangelista Amatorio, while working at the DILG in the Philippines in 1996.[4]
He is a member of Lex Talionis Fraternitas,[8]and the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York, Jose Rizal Lodge 1132. He is also a Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Bergenfield Chapter.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio". Bergenfield.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ a b Y. Yang, Angelica (January 11, 2020). "Fil-Am lawyer sworn-in as Bergenfield, NJ mayor". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ a b Rimando, Roel (January 11, 2024). "How a Filipino immigrant became a mayor in New Jersey and changed the political landscape". Asia News Network. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Llavanes, Jr., Dave (January 3, 2024). "Filipino lawyer from Aurora takes oath as mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ "Arvin Amatorio at LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "G.R. Nos. 142801-802". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ Visaya, Momar G. (January 10, 2020). "Filipino lawyer sworn in as Bergenfield, New Jersey mayor — Life Eastyle Magazine". Asian Journal News. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c Jr., Dave Llavanes (November 11, 2023). "Fil-Am lawyer Arvin Amatorio re-elected as mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Filipino-born lawyer savors council victory in Bergenfield - News - NorthJersey.com". November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on November 18, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Wildstein, David (2018-04-27). "Gottheimer aide may get Assembly seat". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ Biryukov, Nikita (March 27, 2019). "Amatorio running for Bergenfield mayor". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Fil-Am Amatorio wins Bergenfield, New Jersey mayoral race". Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 7, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ Wildstein, David (February 18, 2020). "Bergenfield mayor files defamation suit against ousted incumbent". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
External links
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