LD-13 Senate Candidate O'Scanlon: You May Have to Vote for Someone Else

Candidate claims to be a "truth teller" and stands up for taxpayers with "real" solutions.

By Monmouth Watchdog

Declan O'Scanlon

When a politician has to stress in his online ads that he is a "straight shooter," or makes social media claims on Facebook like, "If your looking for someone to tell you what you want to hear rather than the truth you need to know, your going to have to vote for someone else." You know an embattled politician's campaign is floundering, and in need of a lifeline.

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, (R-Monmouth), whose office is located outside the district he represents, (Red Bank), wants to replace retiring state Senator Joe Kyrillos. O'Scanlon may have spoken words that prophetically may come true this November.

Lets look at the record:

O'Scanlon did not stand up for his constituents when he voted for the very unpopular 23-cent gallon gas tax. He sided with special interests that have donated thousands of dollars towards his political campaigns.

He was the only legislator in the Assembly---the only legislator--that voted against enhanced penalties against drunk drivers operating motor vehicles with minors as passengers. Is that standing up for taxpayers?? Ok, they're children-- so what? Who is looking out for the childrens' safety?? Certainly not Assemblyman O'Scanlon! Kudos to the 79 legislators that did in fact vote for this measure.

Law enforcement?? There's no standing up for those taxpayers! He was just one of four legislators in the Assembly that voted against a financial package that would protect unarmed, outnumbered correction officers, injured during a riot or other physical altercation with violent prisoners. I guess they're not taxpayers worthy of being "stood up" for.

Ok, perhaps half the population? Our hard working mothers, sisters, friends and daughters?? How can we not be supportive of this group? Well, with O'Scanlon's vote, there is no standing up for them either. Our hard working women--discounted and rendered insignificant with his vote. No support for this hard working group.

You didn't read or hear about that vote did you?? Of course not! That is one vote I am sure Mr. O'Scanlon would love to take back.

So much for standing up for our citizens--The Monmouth Watchdog sees a disturbing trend in O'Scanlon's voting record when it comes to the safety of our women, children, and law enforcement officers. Now Assemblyman O'Scanlon wants a promotion to a four-year term as a state senator representing LD-13, which is comprised of 16 municipalities within Monmouth County.

Lets try the truth: When O'Scanlon first ran for the Assembly in 2009, he became embroiled in an ethics controversy brought about by his Democratic rivals. His Democratic opponents at the time accused him of a conflict of interest regarding his business dealings with the town of Fair Haven. Shortly after his victory in the Assembly, O'Scanlon sponsored Bill A-2585. which would prohibit legislators from conducting business within their own legislative district. Unfortunately, the bill gained no traction; however, Mr. O'Scanlon was quoted in an online publication saying he would voluntarily impose the same standards on his own business activities.

There seems to be a little problem with Mr. O'Scanlon's "voluntary" imposition of the same standards in the bill he sponsored. In January of 2017, Mr. O'Scanlon was named "Cell Tower Consultant" in the Holmdel Township Re-Organization Minutes. And as recently as May 17, 2016, O'Scanlon's company was awarded a contract from Keyport (Resolution #166-16; For Cell Tower Contract Services). That contract called for payment of services not to be less than $500 dollars and not to exceed $3000 dollars. (see above for copy of Keyport Resolution).

A check of Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's financial disclosures reveal since 2009, he inexplicably has not reported his income as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. A requirement mandated under state financial disclosure rules.

District 13's women and children need support and an advocate from its representatives in the Assembly. O'Scanlon's votes are in total dichotomy of his running mate, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin. Ms. Handlin voted for women's equality; voted for enhanced penalties against drunken drivers with minors as passengers in their vehicles and has voted against the increase in the gas tax. And her office is located within the confines of the district she represents.

Perhaps its time to drain the swamp in Trenton.

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The above is an opinion of the Monmouth Watchdog