RED BANK – Red Bank is a borough with lots of history and charm, with plenty of shopping and nightlife that can suit just about everyone’s likings. The Two River Times reached out to Red Bank Mayor Pasquale (Pat) Menna, halfway through his fourth term in the position, to get his thoughts on the borough, the pandemic and what makes Red Bank so special.
The Two River Times: How did you become involved in local politics?
Mayor Pasquale Menna: I was very fond of and admired two former mayors, the late Ambassador Katharine Elkus White and late Justice Daniel O’Hern. I wanted to remain in DC after university and law and practice law in the capital and develop my passion for international affairs. But both convinced me to return to Red Bank and contribute to my local community. I accepted their challenge. They were so supportive up to their deaths. I miss them greatly.
TRT: What is an accomplishment during your mayoral terms you are proud of?
Menna: It is not fair to just focus on one accomplishment when one deals with a term that commenced in 2007 after a term of 15 years on council. But one accomplishment is a goal that continues since it is a longterm plan: That is the upgrade of borough recreational facilities taken as a whole – the commitment to develop Sunset Park; the improvement after 50 years of the RB Athletic Fields. But there are dozens of other examples that have improved the RB life.
TRT: What are the pandemic-recovery challenges Red Bank faces in 2021?
Menna:Â Living in a global pandemic and adapting to changed circumstances and adaptive reuses will continue in 2021. A streetscape plan that incorporated greater car-free utilization of public areas; more green and pedestrian areas that are or can be a fulcrum of the community in various zones, that assist in the commercial and cultural revitalization of our community is in the works.
Retail is a changed landscape but it is a vital part of our scene. It must adapt to long-established customer climate that seeks convenience and invitation – that is it must be there when the public has time to shop and that is when our streets are full. The 9-5 model died a decade ago. Peo- ple who are in our core business district look for activities when they are out, which is invariably after work. A retail model that caters to cultural/social events with commercial offerings is a sure winner. It must be adapted.
TRT: Describe your perfect (pre/post-COVID) Saturday in Red Bank.
Menna:Â Pre- and post-Covid Saturdays are generally the same: I love gardening and cooking. Shopping for fresh foods in morning; reading with Handel or Bach in background; a walk with my adored Labrador daughter; light lunch al fresco preferably if weather permits; visit with family in afternoon; preparing a nice homemade dinner for family/friends in garden. Long talks with friends all over the world on diplomatic/ political issues well into the night in a myriad of languages.
TRT: You’ve been the mayor for a number of years. Tell our readers something about yourself they don’t know.
Menna: I am a person of faith who relies on that strength in many challenges. I continue my connection to my native Italy and find solace every time I can breathe its mountain air and walk its verdant valleys. I am at peace reading a book in French or Italian in my garden as I am every Sunday fighting GSP traffic to assist at Mass at Newark’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 21-27, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
