Career
On January 1, 2008, Spadoro joined David Samson, the former New Jersey Attorney General as a partner in the law firm, Wolff & Samson. Spadoro first ran for public office in 1978, challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Edward J. Patten in the primary election and receiving 41% of the vote. Spadoro served as an Edison Township Councilman for eight years between 1981 and 1988, serving as Council President from 1987 through 1988.
Spadoro demonstrated an unending commitment to open government, the safety and security of Edison residents and senior citizens, and the preservation of the environment.
From 1988 to 1991 (two terms), he represented District 18 in the New Jersey General Assembly. As Assemblyman, Spadoro sponsored the New Jersey Bias Crimes Acting.
He became Chairman of the State Assembly Transportation Authorities, Telecommunications, and Technology Committee. Spadoro was elected mayor of Edison Township in November 1993, taking office on January 1, 1994.
In the landslide victory, Spadoro received 14,081 votes.
His nearest competitor, Republican Eileen Germain Teffenhart, received 5,782. Over the course of his first term, Spadoro led the Edison community through its most serious disaster—the March 23rd Texas Eastern pipeline explosion and fire at the Durham Woods Apartment Complex. In this role, he has fought to improve pipeline safety conditions and has become a nationally recognized figure for pipeline safety reform nationwide.
During the 37 years he has lived in Edison, Spadoro has served on the Board of Directors of Keep Middlesex Moving Incorporated., an organization dedicated to promoting transportation issues, opportunities, and alternatives in Middlesex County.
Spadoro created Edison"s Senior Citizen Housing Agency and sponsored the unique Senior Citizens" Secretariat Aside Ordinance, which forced developers of multiple-unit dwellings to designate 10% of the total number of units for low and moderate income senior citizens. He led the fight to halt the construction of two incinerators in Edison and voted to save the Dismal Swamp.
In 1988, he organized the Edison Township Waterfront Recreation Area Study. The Director of New Jersey Common Cause, referred to Spadoro"s legislation as "a real reform, not just cosmetic reform..a major milestone in reforming the way New Jersey State government operates."
Seeking a fourth term, he was defeated in the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary by June Choi.
Reasons cited for Spadoro"s loss include a split in the local Democratic party,the loss of union support due to the approval of a Walmart retail store, a large turnout of first-time Asian voters due to the New Jersey 101.5 radio controversy.
Foreign more information on the election, see Edison, New Jersey#Election 2005. Spadoro has three children, Katherine, Emily, and Michael Spadoro.
