Earlier this month on November 4th, 2025 was election day, and in New Jersey this included a number of important political contests including for governor, and more locally for two positions on the Borough Council. The local Republican party put forth two candidates, incumbent Glen Popolo and newcomer and Ramsey High graduate Chris Grissoni. They both ran unopposed by any major opposing party candidates and won with 4,177 and 4,077 votes respectively. This reporter had the opportunity to interview councilman from 2023 on and committee chair for health, education and social services, Glen Popolo, following his recent victory.
Mr. Popolo is a long-time Ramsey resident of thirty years and a volunteer, coaching sports including baseball and football, serving as president of the Ramsey Baseball and Softball Association, and being involved with the Knights of Columbus and Greater Ramsey UNICO. His background is in finance, having earned a bachelors of science in business from Bloomfield College and a MBA in Finance from City University of Washington. He is today a managing director at Webster Bank.
While Mr. Popolo knew the majority of folks in Borough government, it was as Ramsey Recreation Director and President of RIFE, or “Ramsey is for Everyone” since 2015 that he had a lot more interaction with the Borough Mayor and Council. RIFE supports residents with disabilities, supporting those residents as they navigate challenges in daily life. RIFE also organizes events including the Challenger sports games, art nights, dances, and karaoke nights. In 2022 when former councilman Harry Weber chose not to run again, Mr. Popolo ran for council and was the top vote getter that year. He specifically was interested in working on community activities to support the town.
When asked what he is most proud of from his time on the council so far, it is unsurprising to hear that it is construction of the home for people with disabilities across from the police station, given Mr. Popolo’s volunteer history. Specifically, he said, “I am most proud of the special needs home we are constructing on North Central Avenue across from the police station. I am so proud of this town for assisting with disabled adults and having a group home off of Route 17 and now six beautiful apartments for six lucky individuals. We need many more homes like this and hope and support additional construction wherever we can.” Mr. Popolo also notes pride in getting to work with the Environmental Commission and Department of Public Works to establish a scrap food recycling program and styrofoam recycling. He supports and looks forward to the construction of the new firehouse and emergency services facility that will be built across from Ramsey High School.
When asked about the future, and what’s next, Mr. Popolo noted both upgrades to recreation and safety. For recreation, this includes enhancements to Finch Park including resurfacing the pickle ball courts and new lights for basketball. For safety, this includes new signage and updated crosswalk improvements for both bike paths and near schools. He noted the important role of grants in making these improvements. His final thought was that, “Ramsey is a great town and my family and I are so glad to be a part of this town for the past 30 plus years.”
