West New York Board of Education Trustee Jonathan Castaneda was named Mayor Felix Roque’s chief of staff last month, the board member confirmed with Hudson County View. 
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I was asked by Mayor Roque to serve as his chief of staff, Being a lifelong resident of West New York, I am blessed and thankful to the mayor for the opportunity to serve my community,” Castaneda said in a text message.
“I’m further thankful to all who have trusted me over the years with the knowledge, skills, wisdom and values to embark on this role – from my teachers in the West New York School District, to my professors at the Bloustein School and Seton Hall,” also offering thanks to the Eagleton and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institutes.
Castaneda, 26, has previously worked for the offices of U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and was elected to his first term on the West New York BOE last year.
He also helped the latest incarnation of the Children First board of education team campaign in the November 8 election, with Board President Adam Parkinson and Trustee David Morel being re-elected to three-year terms.
In a statement, Roque said Castaneda was the perfect fit for the job.
“Jonathan grew up in West New York, he knows what needs to get done and has a knack for getting it done. His work ethic and commitment to public service over the past two year got him noticed. His is an excellent choice to represent me and help me and my commissioners move our town forward during my administration,” he said.
“His education background, which includes a Masters of City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and his Master of Public Administration from Set Hall University indicate a commitment to academic excellence,” he added, also speaking highly of his previous work experience.
Castaneda, who will earn about $50,000 a year at the post, replaces Luis Baez, who will continue to work for the town as the constituent services director and events coordinator.
Hired as the town planner in October, Castaneda’s first day as chief of staff was November 14. He will continue to serve as the town planner on an as needed basis, he said.
He Swallowed the whole sandwich heavy on the Mayo Roque made him.
He than Washed it down with some fresh Juice Roque squeezed for him.
Good for Castaneda.
Here to many More and Good Luck Jonathan.
Roque putting his man in place for Mayor for when he steps down… Sorry Cosmo your going else where.
Roque is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic
The previous chief of staff was interviewed by law enforcement. Roque got rid of him really fast!!!
Does anyone else see the direct conflict of interest in having the mayors chief of staff as a member of the Boe. He should step down from the Boe if he is the mayors chief of staff. Cosmo was moved when Roque took office and forced to resign. This is no different.
You think Roque and company care about conflicts of interest? That would require some ethics and integrity.
Wasn’t Acosta deputy mayor and chief of staff while he was on the board of ed?
These characters make up their own rules and we pay.