Recent College Grad Brings Youth Perspective to Borough Board

One Ramsey resident says his passion for politics is helping fight a stereotype about his generation.

Brian Riordan, a 23-year-old politics junkie who grew up in Ramsey and graduated from the University of Scranton last May, said he feels many of his peers are not aware of the political landscape that surrounds them.

“Generally, my generation is politically apathetic,” Riordan said. “We are the Jersey Shore generation. We care more about reality TV than about the budget battles going on in Trenton."

Riordan, a 2008 Don Bosco graduate who was an active debate team member in high school, says he spent a lot of time getting involved in politics during college. The political science and history major helped organize campus and campaign event for PA politicians while at school, led several political clubs, and even tried to organize a presidential debate on campus last year.

During the 2012 campaign season, Riordan volunteered for the campaigns in Jersey.

Riordan said he has always been interested in politics at all levels, and can often be found spending Monday or Wednesday nights at borough council meetings. So, when he got a call from Mayor Chris Botta last December asking him if he'd be interested in applying for an open spot on the Environmental Commission, he jumped at the offer.

“I was so shocked when I got it. It really is an amazing opportunity to give back and do something important in our town,” Riordan said.

According to Botta, Riordan is the youngest member of any appointed board or commission in town.

“I am very pleased to have Brian serving on the Environmental Commission,” Botta said. “He is enthusiastic, and very informed about local and national issues specifically relating to sustainability and the environment. I am certain he will be an asset to the Commission and the Borough of Ramsey for many years.”

Riordan said he is excited to delve into some of the issues that will likely come before the board in the coming months, like applications related to the proposal of a luxury apartment complex on Island Road. Riordan also said he’d like to use his position to create more awareness of green initiatives in the borough, and possibly as a way to inspire other young residents to get more politically involved.

“I think there’s definitely a need for kids my age to get more involved, especially in local politics,” he said. “We’re the future, right?”

As for Riordan’s future, don’t be surprised if you one day see his name at the ballot box.

“One day, if the time were right, I’d definitely consider a possible run for a political office,” he said.

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