John Giovannitti to be Sworn in as Mayor of Paulsboro, Vince Giovannitti Begins Second Term as Mayor of Gibbstown
Two brothers in New Jersey, John Giovannitti and Vince Giovannitti, are about to make history as they take on the roles of mayors in neighboring towns. John, aged 61, will officially become the mayor of Paulsboro on January 2nd, while his younger brother Vince, aged 57, begins his second term as the mayor of Gibbstown on the following day.
A Strong Commitment to Their Towns
Both John and Vince, who are Democrats, have expressed their unwavering dedication to their respective towns and the interconnected community they share. Paulsboro, with a population of 6,300, stretches from Route 130 to the Delaware River, just across from Philadelphia International Airport. Gibbstown, with nearly 4,000 residents in Greenwich Township, is connected to its larger neighbor through the main corridor, Broad Street.
Describing their simultaneous rise to mayoral positions as a “happy coincidence,” the Giovannitti brothers see it as a natural progression after decades of serving their communities. They believe that their sibling relationship will aid in the necessary collaboration between mayors of neighboring towns that share certain services.
A Unique Connection
Gibbstown and Paulsboro are often described as “classic American small towns” by John. They boast a close-knit community where church and civic groups transcend municipal boundaries. Vince sees them as “really one big community,” while John acknowledges that he doesn’t know of many other places that are so intermingled.
Having spent their entire lives in these towns, the brothers emphasize their deep roots and strong ties to their communities. The familiarity they have with their neighbors and the shared experiences they’ve had growing up contribute to their understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people they will serve as mayors.
Mayoral Responsibilities and Personal Backgrounds
Vince, as the mayor of Gibbstown, will earn a salary of $12,314 for his three-year term. Meanwhile, John, as the mayor of Paulsboro, will have a four-year term and receive a salary ranging from $7,000 to $9,100. In addition to his mayoral duties, John also holds the position of assistant principal and athletic director at Paulsboro High School, while Vince, who recently retired in 2021, was a special-education teacher and guidance counselor in the district.
When asked to describe each other, John portrays Vince as a thorough and organized individual who always considers the big picture for his community. Vince, in turn, highlights John’s unwavering commitment to Paulsboro and expresses his happiness for his brother’s new role, while also emphasizing his joy for the residents who will benefit from John’s leadership.