Public Affairs

Commissioner Joanne Cocchiola is the first woman commissioner in Nutley. She was elected the first time she ran in 2000. All her life her father, Frank Cocchiola, was involved as Commissioner in Nutley. She would listen to his conversations and became interested in politics. Her father was her inspiration for becoming a commissioner.

She grew up in Nutley on Knox Place and went to Radcliffe School. While at Nutley High School she was inspired by educator, Marie Percopo, to become an English teacher. She went to Douglass College and started out in education but then changed career plans and later attended Seton Hall Law School.

Commissioner Cocchiola worked at the Attorney General’s office in Trenton but resigned when her children started school. Now she works part time as Associate Counsel for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in East Rutherford, NJ.

Commissioner Cocchiola is Commissioner of Public Affairs. Her department consists of twelve hard working people. They are in charge of animal control, public health, garbage removal, vaccines, immunizations, marriage licenses, death certificates and birth certificates. The Public Affairs Department offers the services of a baby clinic, and a township doctor, they also handle Consumer Affairs, which deals with consumer complaints. They also schedule classes in CPR and babysitting. In the building’s vault there are records dating back to 1900. If you were born or died in a Nutley home your records are there.

In her opinion the most important services that her department provides are the health screenings such as blood pressure, podiatry, vision, risk of stroke screenings and many others. Outside the Public Affairs building is a large sign that advertises the screening’s date and time so everyone is reminded of them.

Vaccinations and Immunizations are offered to the public.

Commissioner Cocchiola has a lot of ideas for different programs in her department. In 2001, the Nutley Department of Pubic Affairs formed a women’s history committee. They sponsor a Women’s History Month Celebration in March. Women with different occupations come and speak to the 5th and 6th grade elementary school students about their careers. There is also an evening Women’s History event the whole town can attend. In October there is a Breast Cancer Survivors’ Walk through Nutley’s parks and a Health Fair that is held in Nutley High School.

This tree was signed by Breast Cancer Survivors.

Although this is the smallest department it is a very busy one. Commissioner Cocchiola loves her job. Our community is united in a safer, healthier environment because of the services and help Commissioner Cocchiola and her department provides.