Longtime West Caldwell Councilman To Step Down In November

After more than a decade on the West Caldwell Council, Dominick Aiello will step down this November. 

“With our family,” said Aiello, “it’s all about community service and helping out where we can help out. … After four terms, we [Aiello and his family] decided it was time to step down and get someone new in there.”

Aeillo informed the council and his constituents of his decision at Tuesday evening’s council meeting. He will step down after the Nov. 26 council meeting.

Residents elected Aiello for a fourth-consecutive term in 2011. When he steps down from the council in November, Aiello will have one year remaining on his term.

A West Caldwell native and graduate of James Caldwell High School, Aiello has a long history of community service in town. In addition to the council, Aiello has worked on the township’s planning and zoning boards, coached local sports teams and raised money for various charities, such as the popular Vero Amici for Charity.

Aiello said he ran for a fourth term in 2011 because he wanted to help lead the council during a time of internal changes in the township’s government and administration.

“I ran for a fourth term because I was the senior councilman and I knew we had a little bit of a job ahead of us to make sure the transition of the new staff … was smooth," said Aiello. 

In addition, Aiello wanted to complete the improvements to Memorial Park, such as adding a new playground.

With the township in order, a new business administrator appointed, and the Memorial Park project underway, Aiello said it was time for him to go.

“I have a great deal of confidence in Adam Brewer, the new business administrator,” said Aiello. “… I also have a great deal of confidence in the governing body.”

The Nov. 26 council meeting marks the beginning of the end of the year for the township. Aiello said it was a good time to step down as the council prepares for its reorganization meeting at the start the new year on Jan. 1.

“That way, the council person that is replacing me has a fresh start on Jan. 1,” said Aiello.

Leading up to Aiello’s departure from the council, the Republican County Committee will select candidates to fill his seat. The five remaining West Caldwell Council members will then vote to appoint a new council member from the community to serve the remainder of Aiello’s term, which expires in 2014.

While Aiello is stepping down from the council, he will continue to serve on various committees and advisory boards in town. But having spent 11 years on the governing body, Aiello said he wouldn’t rule out someday coming back to the council — albeit unlikely. 

“While I wouldn’t say never, I think it would be highly unlikely that I would go back and run for the council. But who knows.”