Middlesex County Gets New Freeholder Director

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted last week to name Ronald G. Rios as the new Freeholder Director and Blanquita B. Valenti as the new deputy director. 

The changes to the Board, voted on last Thursday, March 7, are the result of former Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano’s resignation to accept a position as a New Jersey Superior Court Judge.

“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,” said Director Rios in his acceptance remarks.  “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.

“I would like to personally thank my immediate predecessor and good friend, Christopher D. Rafano, who led this Board through one of the nation’s most difficult economic periods and two hurricanes that devastated our 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.

“I am 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,” said Deputy Director Valenti. “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.”  

Looking forward, Director Rios listed a number of important initiatives that the Board will undertake this year including:

• The restoration of the historic Roosevelt Hospital in Edison to accommodate modern apartments and other medical and social services that will allow seniors to maintain their independence.
• The complete implementation of the solar panel field at the County’s Apple Orchard Lane Complex, which will provide 100 percent of the complex’s power needs saving tax payers $1 million a year for the next 15 years in energy savings.
• And the continuation of County’s Veterans Housing Assistance Program, a workable, sustainable plan consistent with the 10-year plan to end homelessness in Middlesex County that will end homelessness for our military veterans.

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