Rios succeeds Rafano as freeholder director

Board sees changes as two longtime members move on

Changes on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders tend to be few and far between. When two seats on the seven-member board turn over, it is considered a lot.

Such will be the case this year. Three freeholder seats will be up for grabs, but only one incumbent will be on the ballot.

Chris Rafano, a freeholder since 1998 and the board’s director since 2010, resigned last month to become a state Superior Court judge. The longest-serving freeholder, Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, has announced he will not seek a ninth three-year term.

That leaves Blanquita B. Valenti as the only freeholder seeking re-election this year to the board, which the Democrats have controlled since 1993. The county Democratic and Republican parties will choose their candidates later this month.

Rafano’s departure also brings new leadership to the board, whose members voted on March 7 for Freeholder Ronald G. Rios to serve as director and for Valenti as deputy director. Rios has been on the board since 2008, while Valenti has been since 2005.

“It is my distinct honor to have been given the support of my freeholder colleagues to become freeholder director and to lead this esteemed board,” Rios said. “I firmly believe that Middlesex County government is the epitome of good government, one that listens to the needs of its constituents. We have been led by dynamic public servants, and I am humbled to be among their ranks.”

Rios, a Carteret resident who retired in 2003 after a 30-year career with Conrail, thanked Rafano, who he said led the board through one of the nation’s most difficult economic periods and two hurricanes that devastated local communities.

“Under his leadership, Middlesex County is making a comeback on both fronts. I wish Chris well as he takes his position on the New Jersey Superior Court. He will no doubt continue his record of excellent public service as he moves to the bench,” he said.

Valenti, of New Brunswick, said she is “elated and grateful to my freeholder colleagues for placing their confidence and trust in me to fill the deputy director’s position on the board.

“I pledge to work hard for the citizens of Middlesex County to the best of my ability and fulfill all the duties that go with the position. With a truly dynamic new director in Ronald Rios, we will move forward and succeed,” she said.

The freeholder board is rounded out by Carol Barrett Bellante, Monmouth Junction; H. James Polos, Highland Park; and Charles E. Tomaro, Edison.