Joseph Vas
Joseph Vas (born January 18, 1955) is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2004 to 2010, where he represented the 19th Legislative District. He did not seek re-election to the assembly in 2009. He also served as Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey from 1990 to 2008. He was defeated for re-election to a 5th full term by local bank vice president Wilda Diaz in 2008 by a 58% to 42% margin. He was elected Perth Amboy Democratic Chairman in 2008, succeeding his longtime campaign chairman Ray Geneske. Vas resigned as the party chairman in 2009. He was convicted of state corruption charges in 2010 and federal corruption charges in 2011.
Joseph Vas | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 19th district | |
| In office January 8, 2002 – January 12, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Arline Friscia |
| Succeeded by | Craig Coughlin |
| Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey | |
| In office 1990 – June 30, 2008 | |
| Preceded by | George Otlowski |
| Succeeded by | Wilda Diaz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 18, 1955 Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Evelyn Vas (m. 1977) |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence(s) | Perth Amboy, New Jersey |
For nearly two decades, Joe Vas was a major political powerhouse and boss in Perth Amboy and Middlesex County politics. His 2008 upset defeat followed by corruption charges sent a shockwave in New Jersey politics as a one time political boss and powerbroker had fallen.
Vas attended Vanderbilt University and is a founding member (with his brother Ralph) of R&J Associates, an insurance agency. He is a past president of the Perth Amboy Chamber of Commerce.