TRENTON — The Mercer County Board of Freeholders have met six times this year, and Anthony Carabelli has not thought too much about it.
“If I do, I might start to have funny feelings about it,” he joked recently from his home, with a glint in his eye that he’d go back if they needed a hand with something.
Carabelli sat on the board for 36 years, ending a 46-year run in local public life based in Trenton at the end of last year. He served as a Trenton city councilman from 1970 to 1982.
(His day job was working for the state of New Jersey, which he did for 31 years, retiring in 2000.)
He summed up his longevity in the political world this way: “I loved it.”
“I love government because you do so much for people,” the 81-year-old Democrat said. “It was something that was in me to do.”
Carabelli was feted by several civic and political organizations last year, and his decision not to run for re-election was such a landmark that Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes announced it for him, at the annual state of the county address.
Last month, the city named a street for him.
After 4-decade career, longtime freeholder decides not to run again
Anthony P. Carabelli Way is near the Roebling Market Complex off of South Clinton Avenue, which he says is one of his top accomplishments. He describes his role in the center as the lead “initiator.”
It took 18 years and countless meetings to turn part of the former Roebling company into a shopping center and adjoining offices, but Carabelli said it’s the center’s longevity to this day.
Al the stores are leased and every day, it serves numerous people, many who have to walk to buy groceries or frequent the other shops.
“Now, it’s a vibrant thing,” he said.
Carabelli said he’s awed by the fact that he has a street, and he appreciates all the accolades.
In his retirement so far, he’s enjoying his free time an hitting the gym daily. “I am physically there,” he said of his health.
He’s willing to help out, if needed, but said he’s at peace with his decision to be a regular citizen.
“I just thought that I had served my time,” he said.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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