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Arvin Amatorio

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Arvin Amatorio
Amatorio in 2024
Born
Baler, Aurora, Philippines
NationalityFilipino-American
Occupation(s)Attorney, politician
Known forMayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey

Arvin Amatorio is a Filipino-American attorney and politician, currently serving his second term as the mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a two-term councilman and council president. Amatorio is the second Filipino to serve as mayor of Bergenfield.[2]

Early life and education

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Amatorio was born and raised in Baler, Aurora, Philippines, to public school teachers.[3] He earned a degree in economics from Colegio de San Juan de Letran and later obtained a Juris Doctor from San Sebastian College in Manila.[4] Amatorio immigrated to the United States in 2002.[3] He is pursuing a master of liberal arts in International Relations at Harvard University.[5]

Career

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While still in the Philippines, Amatorio worked at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in 1996.[4] He later worked at the defunct Economic Intelligence and investigation Bureau under the Department of Finance before it was deactivated.[6]

After immigrating to the United States in 2002, he was admitted to practice law in New York in 2006.[4]

From 2006 to 2019, he practiced immigration law in Bergenfield, New Jersey.[4][7]

Political career

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A member of the Democratic Party,[8] Amatorio was first elected to the Bergenfield Borough Council, serving two terms as councilman and council president in 2015 and 2018.[2][9] He was considered as a replacement for former Assemblyman Joe Lagana in New Jersey's 38th Legislative District,  but the position went to Chris Tully,  Amatorio’s former colleague on the Bergenfield Council.[10]

In 2019, he was elected mayor of Bergenfield, the second mayor of Filipino descent, after Rober Rivas.[11][12] He defeated two-time incumbent Republican Mayor Norman Schmelz in a fiercely contested race, prompting Amatorio to file a defamation lawsuit against Schmelz.[13]

Amatorio was re-elected mayor of Bergenfield in 2023, running unopposed.[8]

Personal Life

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Amatorio met his wife, IIya Evangelista Amatorio, while working at the DILG in the Philippines in 1996.[4]

He is a member of Lex Talionis Fraternitas,[8]and the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York, Jose Rizal Lodge 1132. He is also a Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Bergenfield Chapter.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio". Bergenfield.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Y. Yang, Angelica (January 11, 2020). "Fil-Am lawyer sworn-in as Bergenfield, NJ mayor". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Rimando, Roel (January 11, 2024). "How a Filipino immigrant became a mayor in New Jersey and changed the political landscape". Asia News Network. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e Llavanes, Jr., Dave (January 3, 2024). "Filipino lawyer from Aurora takes oath as mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  5. ^ "Arvin Amatorio at LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "G.R. Nos. 142801-802". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  7. ^ Visaya, Momar G. (January 10, 2020). "Filipino lawyer sworn in as Bergenfield, New Jersey mayor — Life Eastyle Magazine". Asian Journal News. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Jr., Dave Llavanes (November 11, 2023). "Fil-Am lawyer Arvin Amatorio re-elected as mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  9. ^ "Filipino-born lawyer savors council victory in Bergenfield - News - NorthJersey.com". November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on November 18, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Wildstein, David (2018-04-27). "Gottheimer aide may get Assembly seat". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  11. ^ Biryukov, Nikita (March 27, 2019). "Amatorio running for Bergenfield mayor". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  12. ^ "Fil-Am Amatorio wins Bergenfield, New Jersey mayoral race". Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 7, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  13. ^ Wildstein, David (February 18, 2020). "Bergenfield mayor files defamation suit against ousted incumbent". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
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