William V. Musto Cultural Center

William V. Musto (March 27, 1917 – February 27, 2006), also known as Billy Musto or Bill Musto, was the Mayor of Union City, New Jersey, from 1962 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1982. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1947 to 1966 and in the New Jersey Senate from 1966 to 1982.The New York Times called him a "charismatic and visionary force" in New Jersey politics for decades.

Musto was born in West Hoboken (now part of Union City) on March 27, 1917. He had a brother, Patrick Roy Musto. He was a graduate of John Marshall Law School (now the Seton Hall University School of Law) in Newark. He served in World War II as a Captain in the 80th Division, 315th FA, Co C (as CO), General George S. Patton's Third Army, earning a Bronze Star.

In 1946 Musto was elected to the New Jersey assembly, where he started his long political career. After three years in the assembly working alongside Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague, Musto allied himself with the John V. Kenny Victory Ticket in 1949, and by 1953 became the Democratic minority leader of the state assembly. By 1965, Musto was elected to the New Jersey State Senate. In 1970 he lost the city election to reform candidate William Meehan, and did not return to the mayoral seat until 1974, where he served in a second, non-consecutive term until the 1982 election.

In 1972 Musto originated the North Hudson Council of Mayors, which was meant to offset Jersey City's 'dominance' of county government. He is also responsible for originating the New Jersey State Lottery, and casino gambling in the area, funds from which were used for education. He is also credited with revitalizing the New Jersey Meadowlands. He was known for being an advocate's of women's rights and Health care reform.

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