Sunset Provisions: Keeping Laws Relevant

By Gary Rich, Sr, Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director

Late last month, Governor Christie signed into law Assembly bill 3424, which extended the two percent cap on binding interest arbitration awards. I was present when Governor Christie inked his name to this bill, extending the cap through December 31, 2017.

The law which originally set the two percent cap was enacted back in 2010 when the Governor joined with legislative leaders to implement these important reforms to a segment of the government system that desperately needed revamping. Historically, it was a system that had often run amok, awarding benefits to the public unions in question without regard for the town or county’s ability to pay for such benefits.

The 2010 law was historic and vital—and temporary. The original law included a Sunset clause, which allowed the law and its terms to expire as of April 1, 2014 if no action was taken by the legislature to extend it.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, July 18-20, 2014

SPONSORED BY SEASTREAK

By Greg Kelly

Friday, July 18

• Oklahoma! at Algonquin Arts Theatre (Manasquan) – MORE INFO

• Historical Society House Tour (Ocean Grove) – MORE INFO

• Seining at the Bayshore (Port Monmouth) – MORE INFO

• Bang, Bang, You’re Dead and Lady Parts at Monmouth U (WLB) – MORE INFO

• Campfire on the Beach at Sandy Hook – MORE INFO

• Beachscapes at the Jersey Shore with Mike Miller (Avon) – MORE INFO

• Downtown Freehold Farmer’s Market – MORE INFO

• Campfire & Sand Casting (Long Branch) – MORE INFO

• Enviro-Quest at Turkey Swamp Park (Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Battery Gunnison/New Peck Tour on Sandy Hook – MORE INFO

• Martha’s Vineyard Weekend Trip via Seastreak (Highlands) – MORE INFO

• Canoeing in Sandy Hook Bay – MORE INFO

• An Intimate Evening with Judy Collins at TRT (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Forks & Fears: Eat Healthfully and Enjoy It! (Shrewsbury) – MORE INFO

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Marlboro GOP Poised To Challenge New Sign Ordinance

A proposed Marlboro temporary sign ordinance on the agenda for adoption by the Township Council on Thursday evening July 17 has Marlboro Republicans contemplating a federal court challenge should the all Democratic Council enact the measure.

Mayor Jon Hornik, named the best mayor in New Jersey in an unscientific PolitickerNJ poll earlier this month after the Township’s resident email list was used to rally online votes, told MMM that political signs create clutter and traffic safety issues in the Township and that his administration has been working on an solution that protects free speech rights while improving public safety since 2008.  “It’s not just local races, but every level…county, state, and federal.  Marlboro gets littered with campaign signs every fall,” Hornik said, “It is a safety issue that has gotten worse since the Board of Education elections were moved to November. The council has been working hard to make sure the safety and clutter issues are addressed while at the same time protecting free speech rights.  I will support what they come up with.”

The proposed ordinance, which can be found here, would prohibit temporary political signs on Township property and public rights of way, with the exception of rights of way adjacent to private property (that strip of land between sidewalks and curbs), regulate the size of signs to 16 square feet, and allow signs to be placed on private property only 45 days prior to an election or event and seven days after an election. Candidates, Committee Chairmen, Campaign Treasurers and private property owners with signs on rights of way adjacent to their property would be subject to fines ranging from$100 to $1250 and/or 90 days in jail for violations.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Christie’s Long Branch Town Hall Rained Out

Governor Chris Christie’s Town Hall in Long Branch this afternoon has been postponed due to expected back weather.

The Governor’s office said it would be rescheduled soon.

• Tweet

Freeholders seek candidates for Brookdale’s Board of Trustees

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders have opened a search for a new member of the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees.

“This is a terrific opportunity for a resident to take a dynamic role at New Jersey’s best community college,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the college. “Brookdale needs leaders who will help steer the future course of this quality, affordable higher education institution.”

Applicants should be interested in taking an active leadership position as a Trustee of Brookdale Community College and be knowledgeable in the opportunities and challenges of higher education. This unpaid position is for a term of four years.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Christie Town Hall in Long Branch on Tuesday

Governor Chris Christie will hold a Town Hall Conversation in Long Branch on Tuesday afternoon July 15 at 3 p.m, according to an announcement from his office.

The first of several stops along the Jersey Shore this summer, Christie will highlight in budget and reform initiatives and answer questions from New Jerseyans.

The event will be at the Long Branch Amphitheater, 17 McKinley Ave, Long Branch.

• Tweet

Middletown Police Chief Gets $249K “Boat Check”

Middletown Police Chief Robert Oches. Photo courtesy of Middletown Patch

Middletown Police Chief Robert Oches is getting $249,338 for unused sick and vacation time accumulated over his 40 year career upon his retirement at the end of this month.  The payout is at Oches current pay scale, despite the fact that the time accumulated over a 40 year period.

The Township Committee approved the payment, reluctantly because it is required by State Law, at Monday night’s meeting.

Committeeman Tony Fiore said that most Oches’ unused time was accumulated prior to 1996 when the Township Committee passed a 150 day cap on retirement awards.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, July 11-13, 2014

SPONSORED BY SEASTREAK

By Greg Kelly

Friday, July 11

• Freedom Fest State Fair (Upper Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Sin, Sex and the CIA at First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

• Colts Neck Country Fair – MORE INFO

• Belmar Fireworks – MORE INFO

• Summer Shakespeare on the Lawn: The Winter’s Tale (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Hairspray the Musical at Premier Theatre (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• The Last 5 Years at ReVision Theatre (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Martha’s Vineyard Weekend Trip via Seastreak (Highlands) – MORE INFO

• Book Sale at Freehold Public Library – MORE INFO

• “Early Bird” Walk (Upper Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Ladies High Challenge (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Choose Your Adventure Boat Rides (Howell) – MORE INFO

• Dr. Ava P. Schlockenstein at The Grange Playhouse (Howell) – MORE INFO

• Crazy For You at Spring Lake Community Theatre – MORE INFO

• Grease at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Red White & Brew Crawl (Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Shore Flicks Free Summer Movies (Monmouth County sites) – MORE INFO

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Howell man charged with vehicular homicide

Richard Tremblay Jr. Joseph Gonsalves is charged with his death.

Joseph Gonsalves, 20, of Howell Township faces charges of Vehicular Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated, Underage Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Speeding and Failure to Maintain Lane, according to an announcement by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.   Gonsalves surrendered to the police yesterday and is in custody at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $75,000 bail with no cash option as set by Judge Angela White Dalton.

On April 16, shortly after 10 p.m., Ronald Tremblay Jr, 21, also of Howell, was a passenger in the back seat of a car that Gonsalves was driving east on Alexander Ave when the vehicle left the road and struck several trees before coming to rest. Tremblay had head trauma and was found non-responsive in the backseat and died later that night at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, according to published reports of the accident.  Another passenger, Brandon Roselli, 21 of Manalapan, suffered minor injuries, as did Tremblay.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Summer Jazz Cafe

SUMMER JAZZ CAFÉ Presented byJazz Arts Project 

Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about Summer Jazz Café, citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return each year. This series has been named a “Pick of the Year” by the Tri-City News. 

A Great Date Night Idea for Summer! Snuggle up with your significant other or a new friend and enjoy an evening of elegant world-class Jazz. You’ll be seated at cozy candle-lit cocktail tables with warm theatrical lighting in an intimate setting. Enjoy coffee, tea and delectable treats available from our café or bring your favorite bottle of wine and share a New York style nightclub atmosphere at a fraction of the price. 

These will surely be the most exciting and romantic evenings you will spend all summer. Drop in after dinner for desert or begin your 
“Night on the town” listening to these great jazz artists. Save the dates and reserve your tickets early. This ever-popular summer series is curated by the non-profit organization Jazz Arts Project. All proceeds help support unique educational programs for area youth. 


For tickets contact the Two River Theater Box Office at 
732-345-1400 General admission tickets, $25, Season series discount (choice of 4 shows) $80 Student discount – $10 per ticket (with student ID) 
Each ticket is subject to a $3 box office fee. 

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet