Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo was re-elected on Nov. 5, 2024. Losardo is part of the Democratic Party and made a lasting impact on the community in his last term. This is something he plans to continue into this new term.
Q: How should I or other people address you–Mayor, Mr.Losardo, Mr.Mayor, Mayor Losardo?
A: Around town, most people just shout out “Mayor” or “Mayor Losardo,” but I still respond to Josh.
Q: How do you feel about winning the election this time around? What do you think was crucial to contributing to your success?
A: I’m thrilled that I was reelected and especially by the margin I was elected by; I was confident going into Election Day,but you never know. The town recognizes all the improvements we’ve made to the parks and how responsive we are to them [the public].
Q: What motivated you to run for mayor initially? What motivated you this time around?
A: Serving in the community in a political way is something I’ve always been interested in. I thought giving back in that way was especially meaningful. After a couple of years working on the town council and learning the issues that affected the town and seeing how the town was being managed, I thought we could do better. I thought we could be an even more welcoming community.
Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments from your last term?
A: [The community] can see what we’ve done to Greenside Park and the playground for young children and Green Forest Park with all the new equipment. They know that Kramer, Manor, Brookside and Haven are about to get done. We’re really proud that we’ve backed up our campaign promises in such a meaningful way that residents will be able to enjoy for a long time. I think the fact that we reduced the Downtown Project and chose a new developer was a terrific accomplishment. I’m confident that Woodmont Properties is the right builder for us. Most residents will be very proud and excited to see those images [of the downtown].
Q: What are some issues or other things you plan to address in this term?
A: We want to do more with our seniors. We have different ideas in mind about adding trips or activities and that’s something that’s important. There’s been discussion during the campaign about a community center and we look forward to having some discussions publicly about that. Personally, my concern is the cost. I’m sensitive to raising expenses for the township, but the possibility of such a center has come up again and again… We continue to have flooding issues in town. I’m intending to work with Congressmen Kane to ensure that the federal government continues to look into what can be done to reduce flooding, not just here in Scotch Plains, but really along many parts of New Jersey.
Q: How do you plan to involve the community in your decision making and how do you plan to impact them?
A: Every Friday, we send out what we call our electronic messenger, and it’s just an email that goes out to anyone that records their email address on our website. It’s a way for my colleagues and I to share information about what’s going on at town hall with the community. It’s a way to share what events are upcoming in town. We also use it for polling.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding parts of being mayor?
A: I think seeing the fruits of our labor and that’s why I keep pointing out the parks so much because that is something where I know what we agreed to fund and then to see within a couple of years, the finished product. That’s especially gratifying. On a personal level, I’m really proud of myself for my thick skin and for putting my name out there.
Q: What challenges have you faced throughout your time being mayor and how did you overcome them?
A: I overcome my challenges by facing them, dealing with them and learning from them as best as I can. Sometimes, they require long walks. Sometimes, I like to just listen to some music by myself and think, but I find that by thinking through and facing whatever it is, I can overcome it. The Brookeside referendum was a challenge that comes to mind. At that time, I was confident that turfing the park would lead to improved additional recreational space for residents of all ages to enjoy. Then, when news got out, it seemed to concern many people. I found it a challenge and difficult at times, but I faced it by talking to as many of those residents as I could, doing ultimately what I thought was right.
Q: What do you like to do outside of your job and being mayor?
A: I enjoy exercising very much, and I’m right now trying to figure out as best as I can where I can carve out 45 minutes to an hour and a half–three, four, five days a week–so I can start exercising again. I know it would be good for my health and I think it would be good for my overall being… [I also enjoy] spending time with my wife and children, watching sports. I’m a big Yankee, Knicks and Giants fan.
Losardo has made strides towards bettering the community of Scotch Plains. Whether he is working with his colleagues or the town’s residents, he stays motivated to do the best job he possibly can. Through overcoming challenges in his last term, to accomplishing even more, Losardo plans to go into this term continuing to think about what’s best for the community.
