EDISON — After more than three decades, a key figure in township politics will bid adieu to the Edison Democratic Organization.
Dr. Thomas “Doc” Paterniti announced he will not seek another term as chairman of the township’s Democratic Party.
“I’m not a kid anymore,” the Metuchen dentist said. “I figured it’s time to step down.”
Paterniti served as chairman of the organization for eight years in the 1970s and then for the past 22 years. He also served four terms as a state assemblyman in the 1980s, and one term as a state senator in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition, Paterniti served twice as mayor of Edison, and more recently was tapped as a member of Mayor Thomas Lankey’s transition team.
While he’s stepping off the political stage, Paterniti said he would be happy to offer guidance to his successor when that person is elected.
“I’m always available,” the 86-year-old said.
And while Paterniti said he is not backing any of the four candidates vying for his chairman seat, he spoke fondly of one of them.
“There’s several people running, but the only one who really knows the job, because he’s worked with me since ’93, is Anthony Russomanno,” he said of the former aide to Mayor Antonia Ricigliano and current constituent relations administrator for Lankey.
“In the last six years, he has worked with me in every capacity as chairman. None of these other people who have said they want to run have ever helped me in the campaigns. He’s been involved. If you don’t have the time, you don’t want the party to fall on its face.”
Paterniti ran down the extensive list of party chair duties, which include not only scheduling and attending meetings, but also a full slate of tasks involved with organizing campaigns, elections and fundraising.
“Let me tell you, that’s the hardest part — raising money,” he said.
Russomano praised Paterniti’s leadership, saying he has worked with him in the organization for more than 20 years.
“Dr. Paterniti has been fabulous over the years … so he’s going to be a tough act to follow, should I wind up winning,” Russomanno said. “I’m uniquely qualified to run the party, I believe.”
He said Paterniti and Lankey have helped to unite the party after some past discord within its ranks.
“We want to continue those efforts and rebuild the party,” he said.
The three others who have expressed interest in running for chairman are Township Council President Robert Diehl, Police Officer Keith Hahn and Democratic Party Committeeman Donald Hansen.
Diehl said he had waited for the right time to go after the chairman post.
“I’ve spoken to Doc Paterniti a bunch of times over the past few months,” he said. “Out of respect for him and his legacy, I said, ‘Doc, I’ll wait until you’re not going to run.’”
Diehl said he comes equipped with the experience and know-how necessary to run the party.
“I’ve got almost 20 years of elected service,” he said. “I understand the Democratic Party very well. … The whole skill set is there.”
Hansen, a committee member since 2007, also said he has what it takes to lead the township Democrats.
“I could probably be that person to do it,” the lifelong, fifth-generation Edison resident said, adding that he has an extensive background in management.
Hansen worked in the township’s Department of Public Works for 32 years, retiring as superintendent. He now serves as director of public works in Princeton and is an instructor in management at Rutgers University, teaching with a manual he wrote.
While Hansen said he is certainly interested in running, he also acknowledged that the large number of committee seats being challenged would be a major determinant of who gets the popular vote as chairman.
Hahn could not be reached for this story.
A June committee vote will decide the new party chair sometime after the June 2 primary.
In recent years, the Democrats have maintained control of all seats on Edison’s governing body.
“I’m very proud that every time I’ve run the campaign, Democrats were always elected,” Paterniti said, adding that during the years of his absence as chairman, Republicans came to office because the party wasn’t able to raise as much money as when he was at the helm.
“In three years, I cleaned them out and got the Democrats elected.”
Paterniti said his involvement in politics dates back to his high school years, and he is now ready to take it easy.
“Many times, I didn’t go on a vacation,” he said. “I’ve given up a lot of things … because I believe in doing a good job. I’ve taken this job very seriously.”