Home: Hoboken, NJ. Age: 50, but feel like 30. Birthplace: Hoboken, NJ, born and raised. Title: Doctor of Physical Therapy and Hoboken City Councilman. Significant other: The love of my life, Lisa (Baptista) Russo. Alma mater: Utica College (DPT); Rutgers Newark (MSPT); Stockton University (B.S).
Current project: Running for mayor of Hoboken. Recent recognition: Recognized as a True Community Hero by Amazing Truth Society. Latest contribution to others: Raised significant funds for Hoboken Public Education Foundation. Hobbies: Camping, hiking, cooking, sports, chess, and most importantly, being a #1 dad. Recent travel or adventure: Road trip to Myrtle Beach. Disney World, Savannah, GA and Virginia. Last book read: Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss.
Personality profile: Open-minded, decisive; enjoy roasting my friends and being roasted; family man. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Treat others the way you want to be treated and listen more than you speak. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Paramount. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Mothers. What is at the top of your bucket list? An extended family trip to Italy to meet family from Italy. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Family, beach, and sun.
What was your first paying job? Summer job as a custodian working for a garbage company at 15 years old. What was your favorite college course? Physics. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? G.I. Joe, Monopoly. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Mary Poppins. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Ward map of Hoboken and campaign calendar. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Fear is inevitable, overcome it. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The loss of my parents, which heightened my awareness of life and what truly is important.
What is your big idea?
A grand vision for the future of Hoboken that puts Hobokenites first.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Fighting unconscionable tax hikes. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be kind, be good, and protect others. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Keanu Reeves. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My parents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An attorney. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos and vital documents. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? My wife and kids, out in nature laughing and playing. What advice would you give your younger self? Do it the same but even better. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? No regrets.
Personal mission: Making life better for the average Hoboken resident. Personal motto: “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve” (Martin Luther King, Jr.).
