Director Ronald G. Rios, the Director of the Board of County Commissioners of Middlesex County, values listening to others and taking their feedback when making decisions.

Rios’ path into public service came from an unlikely source: a disturbance in his neighborhood shortly after he got married.
“There were some teenagers outside, and they were making a lot of noise,” said Rios. “They were keeping my baby awake, and nobody is going to keep my baby awake and get away with it.”

Dismayed that the police couldn’t be of much help due to a lack of loitering laws, Rios took matters into his own hands and petitioned the mayor and city council to take action on the matter.

“I went around the neighborhood, got about 150 signatures, and the title of the petition was ‘Do you wish to have an ordinance on the books that there is no loitering allowed?’” said Rios.

In recognition of his efforts, Rios was approached by the mayor to become involved in community affairs, but his passion was truly solidified after a rude encounter during his campaign to become Carteret city council member in 1981.

“I knocked on one door, and the guy said to me, ‘You’ll never get elected in this town because you’re Puerto Rican, and they’ll never vote for a Puerto Rican,’” said Rios.

Although stunned by the racial provocation, Rios continued to serve and represent his community.

“You’ve got to be responsible, you’ve got to be respectful, and you have to lead with integrity,” Rios advised.

Rios also believes that he, along with other public officials, carries the burden of honesty and valuing the trust that constituents have placed in them to work in the public’s interest.

“The public trusts you; they vote for you. I work hard to ask people for their vote, but I have to demonstrate to them that I earned that vote. You shouldn’t take it for granted,” said Rios.

Additionally, Rios emphasizes the importance of working with a team and the collaborative nature that surrounds making decisions.

“You have to leave the ego at the door, listen to people that are around you, and surround yourself with people that are very knowledgeable and have the passion to try to help others,” said Rios.

From his long and experienced career in leadership and serving the Middlesex County community, Rios advises high school students to be willing to take risks and seek advice from others.

“Listen, don’t be afraid to take advice, don’t be afraid to take constructive criticism, and be willing to take a chance. If you think you can do it, do it. Make a change, make a positive change,” said Rios.