One more thing about by-laws

By Art Gallagher

While researching county committees and the question of by-laws this week I stumbled upon an interesting provision in the unconstitutional amendment to NJSA 19:5-3.2 that creates a significant incentive for county parties to create by-laws.

In Monmouth County we elect county committee members and the Chairman every two years.   In trying to find the law that set those terms, I couldn’t find it.  The terms of committee members and chairmen does not appear to be spelled out clearly anywhere in the law.  I consulted an expert election law attorney figuring he would have the answer on his finger tips.  After an hour searching the Intenet together over the phone, we still couldn’t find it.

Title 19 refers to annual elections but it isn’t clear.  My election law expert found a case going back to the 1960’s that could be interepted to require annual elections.

I confess that my first thought upon this discovery was somewhat selfish.

Last year, due to the same snafu in the primary ballot printing that placed Dan Peters for Sheriff under Anna Little for Congress, making the Sheriff primary an unexpected race, county committee challengers in Highlands were also bracketed with Little.

I knew my county committee slate was in trouble as soon as I saw the ballot.  Early on in the process Chairman Oxley assured me that the challengers would be in the Siberian section of the ballot.   That I was supporting Little over Gooch for Congress was no secret.  I had raised the question of bracketing the incumbent committee with Little in the primary because I expected her to win Highlands, which she did.   Oxley assured me that the challengers would not be bracketed with Little and the committee that I led submitted our petitions under Gooch and the rest of the county line.

I know this wasn’t a dirty trick on Oxley’s part because he was more surprised and upset by the ballot as I was. Not so much because of the Higlands bracketing, but because of the Dan Peters for Sheriff bracketing under Little.  Suddenly Shaun Golden for Sheriff lawn signs had to be rush ordered and placed throughout the 6th congressional district.

We weren’t going to buy four different sets of lawn signs for a county committee primary in Highlands that less than 200 people were going to vote in.  But we did spent the weekend before the primary on the phone asking historical primary voters to cast a vote for Little for Congress and then move to the left and vote the county line for the rest of the ballot.  Those hundreds of voice mails that said, “Please vote Anna Little for Congress in column B and then move to the left to column A and vote for Shaun Golden for Sheriff, Clifton and Arnone for Freeholder, Frank Nolan for Mayor and our local county committee team” must have sounded pretty weird to the people who listened to them.  The messages didn’t work and the challengers won the primary on Little’s coat tails.

Discovering that the terms of committee members weren’t defined by law and what little law there was pointed to annual elections, it occurred to me to have my committee team in Highlands file petitions this year two minutes before the filing deadline.

If the clerk accepted our petitions and put us on the ballot, and if everyone kept their mouths shut, the current Highlands committee wouldn’t even know that they were about to be voted out until they got their sample ballots in the mail.  This was fun fantasy.

But if the clerk said, “there’s no county committee election this year,”  and I said, “there should be, let’s go to see Judge Lawson,” word would get out we’d waste a bunch of time and money.

If I prevailed, either in court or by the clerk accepting the petitions and putting us on the ballot, the victory would be short lived and all hell could break lose through out the county and as unhappy Republicans and Tea Party activists tried to take over the party every year.  We could have a different county chairman every year.  It could lead to chaos and ultimately Democratic control of the county government.

All of that went through my head in less time than it took for you to read it while I was on the phone and the Internet with my election law expert friend when I remembered reading in the Ocean County Republican By-Laws that the the term of county committee members in Ocean is four years.

“Hey election law attorney friend,” I said, ” the Ocean County By-Laws say that the terms of county committee members are four years, what’s up with that?”

Back to the unconstitutional statute we went and there is was….the new law passed by Corzine and the legislature provides that county committee terms are determined by committee by-laws.

That seems to be a pretty good reason to have by-laws.

Maybe we’ll have by-laws by the primary filing deadline.  If not, we might have some fun in Highlands after all.

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MANALAPAN MAYOR LUCAS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MONMOUTH COUNTY FREEHOLDER

Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder.

“I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders today,” said Lucas. “Prior Freeholders have set a tradition of fiscal responsibility and visionary planning, making Monmouth County one of the best places in America to live, work or visit. I intend to build upon this tradition and I believe my experience makes me the best candidate to do so.”

Lucas, a lifelong Monmouth County resident who was raised on a working farm in Manalapan, cited his broad life experience as a major asset.

“In these difficult economic times, I believe my education and finance background is definitely a major asset. I think my record in Manalapan of cutting over $2 million in wasteful spending and being at the forefront of sharing services to create more efficiency in government bears that out. I also know being raised on a farm, as well as now owning my own farm, has given me an appreciation for hard work and a respect for the environment that will allow me to serve the people of Monmouth County well.”

Mayor Lucas is a principal owner of Lucas Capital Advisors, an investment management firm. He has a degree in Economics from Princeton University. He is also the owner of Walnut Grove Farm in Manalapan. He has served on the Manalapan Township Committee since 2005, during which he has served three terms as Mayor.

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Monmouth Democrats Are Off To An Early Start In Freeholder Race

By Art Gallagher

Monmouth County Democrats are getting to work early in defending their only remaining Freeholder seat.

Last night at the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro, Democratic Freeholder Amy Mallet held a campaign kickoff/fundraiser hosted by Vin Gopal, co-owner of Communtiy Publications, and co-hosted by Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornick, County Chairman Vic Scudiery, and former Freeholder John D’Amico.  Middlesex County Senator Barbara Buono, a potential 2013 gubernatorial candidate, was the Special Guest Speaker.

Gopal announced that the event raised over $10,000.

Mallet and Republican Freeholder Lillian Burry are both up for reelection this fall.

Burry opened a facebook page on Tuesday and is hoping to have 50 fans by the end of the week.  As of 10:30 this morning she has 17 fans.  I think MMM readers can produce 100 fans for Burry by the end of the day today.  Click here and “Like Lillian“.

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Park System Housing Report: Discounted Rent For Rangers Saves Taxpayers $870K

By Bill Bucco

Thursday night the Monmouth County Freeholders held their second regular meeting of January.  The topic that received a lot of attention towards the end of the meeting was the release of the Park Housing Report.

This report was released to the public Thursday night at the Freeholder meeting with information regarding the living situation of the Park Rangers and cost to the county.  The rangers who are county employees in fact do pay rent for the house that they live in, but at a discounted rate of 37% based on the market value which results in $181,102.00 in discounts for homes on county park property. Currently there are 27 units occupied by employees and 5 that were recently occupied and now are scheduled for demolition.

It is important to note that the rangers that live in these homes are on call 24/7 and do not receive any over time pay.  There was talk about looking into out sourcing 24 hour security to a private security firm and the report shows that the estimated cost would be $1,051,200.00 a year for the same services they currently receive with the live-in park rangers. With the current system in place, it is saving the tax payers of Monmouth County $870,098.00 annually.

The report states the following:

            The results of the report confirms what the Board had believed to be true- that

            the program is beneficial and cost effective in meeting its’ intended purpose while

            producing savings by-

 

                        -protecting park system property and assets;

                        -providing on-site assistance to the public;

                        -maintaining an on-site management presence; and

• – assisting in the recruitment of professional staff

 

            It is important to note that the Park Housing Program is directly related and essential to

            the performance of the employees official duties with regard to the maintenance of

            security of park visitors and County park property that includes the enforcement of Park

            rules and regulations the rendering of assistance for the benefit of the health, safety, and

            welfare of members for the public; and

 

            It is also important to remember that the Housing Program-

 

• – operates with revenues exceeding expenses; and
• – is managed efficiently and effectively by continually monitoring costs, reducing the number units, and their distribution

            The Committee has recommended that staff continue to review and monitor the housing program annually.

 The report goes on in detail on how much each individual pays and how much the county receives in revenue. The revenues are exceeding the expenses!

The only complaint came from a familiar face at the Freeholder meetings, James Martin of Spring Lake Heights.  Martin is no stranger to the microphone at any Freeholder meeting, but his attitude is uncalled for. I am all for questioning your public officials on how money is being spent, but Mr. Martin should not choose style over substance in his criticism of the Freeholders.  He got up at the podium, in my belief, to just hear himself speak. The substance he was trying to criticize the Freeholders for was flawless. He just liked to hear himself complain. If I had to give him any advice it would be, you catch more bees with honey then you do with vinegar Mr. Martin. To recap, the county is giving out a little bit over $180,000 worth of discounts to those who give the parks 24/7 security and surveillance. He was complaining that the estimated little bit over $1,000,000 outsourcing contract that was under consideration was too much and could get it for less. Really Mr. Martin? Less then $180,000? What world does Mr. Martin live in that everything is for free? If he is willing to protect all the parks in the county the way they are protected now for less then $180,000 yearly, then I am sure the Freeholder Board will gladly take it under consideration, but until he does, or comes in with real, factual alternatives, he should keep his sarcastic and demeaning tone towards the Freeholders to himself.

The park rangers have a responsibility to protect a total of 450 million dollars worth of assets, 15,000 acres, and on average 5 million visitors yearly. The Housing Committee, their staff, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders should be commended for looking out for the tax payers of Monmouth County and at the same making sure our parks are the safest and best places to visit in New Jersey.

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MMM In The News. The triCityNews

By Art Gallagher

As a blogger, it is always nice to be recognized by another media outlet.  Over the years, MMM has been cited by FoxNews, CNN, The Drudge Report, The Star Ledger, Asbury Park Press, NJN, and others.

This week  we hit pay dirt with front page exposure in the only profitable newspaper left in America, Dan Jacobson’s triCityNews.

I’d link you to the story, but Dan doesn’t publish on the Internet. That is why he has the only profitable newspaper in America, according to the New York Times.

You’ll have to pick up the paper, for free, at one the the coastal Monmouth establishments that carries it, from Atlantic Highlands to Belmar.

I recommend you pick up the paper.  The story featuring me and MMM, Rumble on the Right, is filled with intrigue, sex and money;  intrigue over the power of this blog, Mickey Gooch’s money and Jacobson’s sexual fantasies.

I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I love it when others do. I’m happy to return the favor and toot my horn for Dan Jacobson. 

Today is the 12th anniversary of the triCityNews, which is another reason to pick up the paper. With my mug on the cover, this historic edition is likely to become a collectors item.

What Jacobson has accomplished as a business, and the difference he has made in the communities he serves, as an “alternative”  newspaper is remarkable.  As he said in his first publisher’s message twelves years ago, which is reprinted in this week’s edition,

Alternative newspapers hit the issues mainstream media won’t touch. That means the triCityNews will be there to inform you about relevant local politics, the gay community, youth, sex and all radical and ethnic groups.  News coverage will be incisive and perceptive.  Photo and stories about politicians handing plaques to constituents are left to the other guys.

Many on the Jersey Shore are unfamiliar with alternative newspapers.  They have told us that the triCityNews is like nothing they have ever seen. We’re proud of that.  That’s where we always want to be.

There is something else Dan should be proud of.  He’s done it with class. 

As irreverent as Dan often is, his publication is anything but “underground” as many, most in my experience, alternative newspapers are.   The Village Voice and the Boston Phoenix  are two alternative papers I am familiar with from my twenties when I lived in both New York City and Boston.  They were underground rags predominantly funded by ads for adult services establishments, strip clubs and head shops. 

Dan’s publication is funded by ads for first class small businesses in Monmouth County.  To find an ad for an adult service establishment in Monmouth County, you’ll have to look to the publication that Dan and I both love to bash, the Asbury Park Press.

Congratulations Dan.  Here’s to another 12 years or until Mickey’s check clears.

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Gray Will Not Be A Candidate For Freeholder

By Art Gallagher

Jim Gray of Manalapan, the former clerk of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, has been telling party leaders and other potential freeholder candidates that he will not be seeking the GOP nomination for freeholder this year.  According to multiple sources, Gray will continue his service on the Monmouth County Library Board, and enjoy his retirement with his family.  Gray did not return MMM’s phone call for confirmation.

Word that Gray was considering a bid, as reported here on January 10th, had a virtual field clearing effect.  Now that Gray has chosen not to run, the race for the nomination to challenge Democratic Freeholder Amy Mallet is expected to heat up.  Incumbent Republican Lillian Burry has indicated that she will seek a third term.  No challenger is expected to Burry’s nomination.

Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas stopped short of declaring his candidacy when asked by MMM if he was running.  He said that with Gray out of the race he would re-start his efforts to gauge the level of support he has among municipal chairs and other party leaders.

Wall Township Committee Member George Newbury and Spring Lake Councilman Gary Rich, Sr. are expected to seek the nomination.

Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso and former Middletown Township Committee Member Tom Wilkens, both veterans for the nominating process are considering bids, as is former Tinton Falls municipal chairman Michael Laffery.

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Jail Death Ruled Accidental

The dealth of Amit Bornstein while in custody of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s department last summer has been ruled accidental by the medical examiner and no criminal charges will be filed, according to a report in the Asbury Park Press.

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Gray Mulling Freeholder Bid

By Art Gallagher

Sheriff Shaun Golden and Jim Gray celebrate Manalapan's reorganization. Photo credit: Rhoda Chodosh

Jim Gray, the former clerk of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is considering a bid for the GOP nomination for Freeholder.

The  long term Manalapan resident served as clerk of the board from 2000 through November 1st of last year when he retired.  Gray served 15 years on the Manalapan Township Committee, including 5 years as mayor.   Prior to his service in Monmouth County government, he was director of administration for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities during the Whitman/DiFrancesco administrations.

Gray told MMM that he is honored that people of raised the question of a freeholder candidacy to him, but that he has not made any commitments.

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Coming Attractions

By Art Gallagher

With the county reorganization behind us, the real political season in Monmouth County, and throughout New Jersey is about to heat up. While most voters and the mainstream media will not start paying attention until September, what happens at political clubs, committee meetings and county conventions between now and April will determine who the candidates are in the November elections.  

The state legislature will be on the top of the ballot. Due to the pending redistricting, it is too early to speculate who the challengers might be or if Monmouth will continue to be divided into 5 districts.  Once the new districts are announced, hopefully before the primary filing deadline of April 12, there will be a mad dash.  Until then only anxiety and speculation.

Rosemarie Peters will seek a second term as Monmouth County Surrogate.  No primary challengers in the rumor mill,  no Democratic challengers in the rumor mill yet either.

The race to watch is for the nomination GOP nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry’s running mate.  

Burry told MMM that she will seek a third term.  She and Democratic Freeholder Amy Mallet’s seats are up this year.  Mallet told Politickernj that she is running.

Early speculation for Mallet’s running mate includes Long Branch Councilman John Pallone, the congressman’s brother, and Marlboro Councilman Jeff Cantor who ran for Freeholder as a Republican in 2007, losing to John D’Amico.

Among Republicans, Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas has made his intentions known to several party leaders that he intends to seek the nomination.  Lucas emerged as the nominee from a deeply divided GOP convention in 2006 before losing to Barbara McMorrow in the general election.  McMorrow is now a GOP township committee member in Freehold Township.

Lucas will be challenged for the nomination by Spring Lake Councilman Gary Rich, Sr.  Rich unsuccessfully sought GOP Freeholder nominations in 2005, 2009 and 2010.

Wall Township Committee member George Newbury is signaling that he will challenge Lucas and Rich for the nomination.

Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso, who sought to be nominated in 2005 and 2008 is considering a run but has yet to make a decision.  Former Middletown Township Committee member Tom Wilkens is also on the fence, after narrowly losing the nomination to Tom Arnone last year.

Let the games begin.

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Monmouth County Reorganization

By Art Gallagher

Monmouth County's government reorganized yesterday afternoon before an overflowing crowd exceeding 500 people at the Monmouth Biotech High School in Freehold.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was on hand to swear in her successor, Sheriff Shaun Golden, who took the oath of office, with his family beside him, in full dress uniform while bearing a side arm. A contingent of at least 100 sheriff's officers, also in full dress, stood in support of the Sheriff as he swore his oath and addressed the "who's who of Monmouth County" assembly.

Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge, The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson administered to the oath of office to Robert Clifton, Matawan, for his third term as Freeholder and to Thomas Arnone, Neptune City, for his first term as Freeholder.

In their remarks, the three newly sworn officers who were running mates in the last election, each emphasised their commitment to reducing the costs of government while maintaining the high quality of life in Monmouth County.

Golden and Arnone both emphasized sharing services with Monmouth County's 55 municipalities and other counties.

Golden commended his 9-11 dispatch center for fielding 17,000 calls during the recent blizzard.  With a nudge to the Freeholders to increase resources to be shared, the sheriff noted that the telecommunications center which currently serves 45 local jurisdictions and two military installations is at capacity.

Arnone excelled at creating shared services agreements as mayor of Neptune City and will oversee the county's sharing efforts as Freeholder. 

Clifton was elected by the board to serve as Freeholder Director and will continue to oversee the county's finance and administration departments.  Him pledge to create a budget that minimizes its impact on taxpayers.

John Curley enters his sophomore year on the board as Deputy Director. He noted that his first year on the board was "a time of trial and tribulation" and "a great learning curve." He praised his fellow Freeholder, Republican and Democrat alike, as well as the administrative and rank and file employees of the county. The new Deputy pledge to work with and for his colleagues, but "ultimately for the taxpayers."  He called on his fellow board members to shrink county government, to make it "smaller, more efficient and responsive for our taxpayers."


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