Letter: A Call To Investigate the Monmouth County Family Court

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:



Dear Editor,

Under the corrupt regime of Governor Chris Christie and with the help of Senator Joe Kyrillos, Monmouth County's Most Infamous Superior Court Judge, Paul X. Escandon, was granted lifetime tenure in June 2016 in a 22 to 9 vote, despite the fact that dozens of women spoke out against him at the hearing, recalling discriminatory and unlawful treatment they experienced during his time as a Family Court Judge. Convicted mobsters (who chose not to go into Witness Protection) were given custody of children, and emancipation orders (to terminate support) were handed out like candy, relieving fathers of support obligations, even when the law clearly said otherwise.

Since Judge Escandon's egregious behavior became common knowledge and resulted in organized groups of protesters, he was reassigned to hear civil cases, with many tenants describing similarly unfair treatment in Landlord Tenant court. Judge Escandon previously worked as a private lawyer defending criminals facing narcotics trafficking charges, so it is not unsurprising to see someone used to representing ruthless drug cartel members, being so unfit to protect the interests of mothers, children, and low-income tenants.

I know these mothers were telling the truth because I am also one of Escandon's victims. Escandon personally cut off the minuscule child support my mother received for me, on a motion filed by Vincent Stripto of Drain & Warshaw P.C., despite my being a full-time college student, with disabilities, and Escandon had me falsely arrested in the hallway of the Monmouth County Courthouse, with the statute that I was charged under having been found unconstitutional by the Appellate Division in 1985, and invalidated ever since. Rule of law was ignored. Judge Escandon’s behavior was something you'd expect to see in an episode of The Sopranos, not a Court of Law.

I have suffered from severe PTSD since age 16, when a mentally-ill man who was on felony probation for False Public Alarm (bomb threat) and Eluding Police named Stephen D. Calhoun made a false police report about me, and I was jailed where I was subjected to physical assault and torture by Monmouth County Youth Detention Center Officers. Mr. Calhoun's defense in his case was that he should have been found not guilty by reason of insanity (you can read about Mr. Calhoun here https://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/appellate-division-unpublished/2009/a6027-06-opn.html ) yet Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Apostolou Jr. withheld this very relevant exculpatory evidence from discovery, in violation of Brady v. Maryland. I went from being a Criminal Justice student who started college at 15 with a 4.0 GPA and graduated from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Youth Week two years in a row (held at the county police academy), with a rising political future that began with volunteering on my first Presidential campaign at age 13, continuing with Gubernatorial and Legislative races, to suffering from severe PTSD, and facing ridicule and discrimination as if I had committed a serious offense I was entirely innocent of, as the truth about the "witness" Mr. Calhoun's admitted psychotic criminal behavior was hidden until I found it years later, thanks to his failed appeal in State v. Calhoun (Docket No. A-6027-06T46027-06T4) being published online. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's office had sent defamatory material based on Mr. Calhoun's false allegation regarding me to Brookdale Community College, where now-convicted felon ex-President Peter F. Burnham expelled me from the school, before he was sent to prison for corruption. In my life, the Monmouth County Courts and Prosecutor's Office have long been a major source of injustice, and this system must be stopped from continuing to harm others. These are not courts of justice, but tools of terror.

In court papers, Drazin & Warshaw lawyer, Vincent Stripto ridiculed me for using medical cannabis to help treat PTSD (under the order of a California Psychiatrist), which New Jersey has now legalized. The Municipal Judge I faced in a Middletown Township (Monmouth County) court case for possessing my medicine, Judge Richard B. Thompson, has since been suspended without pay due to an on-going corruption investigation. Thompson had also been the Judge who heard a citizen's complaint I filed, and had wrongly refused to find probable cause in my criminal complaint against Bradley Beach Police Officer Terry Browning for Official Misconduct in my juvenile case, and Stephen D. Calhoun for (a repeat) offense of False Public Alarm and Filing a False Police Report in the same matter.

My father, who makes six figures, did not provide any financial support until he was ordered to pay child support when I was 15. Escandon terminated the support at age 21, despite my full-time college enrollment, and successful academic progress. A deadbeat dad could not ask for a more favorable judge.

I urge state Senator Vin Gopal and Governor Phil Murphy to stand up for the rights of women and children by calling for a thorough legislative and criminal probe of Escandon's activities, particularly during his time as a Family Court Judge, as well as how my juvenile case before Judge Eugene Iadanza was mishandled by the court and Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. I am owed a formal state apology for the abuse I have suffered, as well as financial compensation, and those who did wrong must punished. Until justice has been achieved, until the day that I die, I will not and cannot stop fighting for what is right, by any means necessary to achieve justice.

REV. DR. ERIC HAFNER
FORMER CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE
TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY

Things Are Looking Brighter

For those of you that woke up yesterday morning, feeling down and out because Middletown Democratic candidate Tricia Maguire, LD13 candidates Sean F. Byrnes, Tom Giaimo and Mariel DiDato and Monmouth County Freeholder candidates Margie Donjon and Brian Wilton did not come out victorious yesterday, cheer up. The Middletown GOP's margin of victory over the Middletown Democrats this year was shrunk by over 4% due in large part by a tremendous GOTV effort this year by numerous volunteers and candidate Tricia Maguire.

While 4% may not seem like much, it was huge! The Middletown Democrats closed the gap from previous elections and shrunk the margins of Republicans countywide​. The races in LD 13 and for Freeholder were much closer than in previous years, in large part to the Democratic turn out in Middletown. That means we are moving in the right direction and we have momentum moving forward. Next year is looking brighter already.

In Middletown, all of the Democratic candidates received a minimum of a 1000 votes more than our Governor elect Phil Murphy. This is huge! Especially when you take into consideration that Kim Guadagni received 5000 more votes in Middletown than Phil Murphy.

In hindsight, Murphy's statement about making New Jersey a "sanctuary state", which was drove home constantly by the  Guadagno campaign, not only hurt Murphy in Middletown, but also in northern Monmouth County. It lead to the local Democratic candidates having to answer questions about it, which in turn took away from their messages and caused potential supporters not to vote.

Overall I'm encouraged by Tuesday night's results. Phil Murphy, flaws and all, is the governor elect and Democrat Vin Gopal beat Jennifer Beck to become the new LD11 State Senator. When added to the results in Middletown, where the margins were shrunk even though the Democratic candidates lost, it was a good day. The resistance is strong and the future is bright!

LETTER: O’Scanlon has nothing new to offer voters

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog. This letter appears online at the Asbury Park Press:


Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon’s Sept. 7 op-ed piece “Gopal lacks credibility on property taxes” on community consolidation and property tax relief was transparently self-serving. Apparently all it will take to solve the Gordian knot of New Jersey taxes is electing him, Sen. Jennifer Beck, and other like-minded candidates to office. But the record would suggest otherwise.

After nearly a decade in office, we don’t have tax reform because O’Scanlon has nothing new to offer, has presented no innovative ideas and has no record of significant accomplishments or collaboration to extol. Instead he just rolls out the same old public service villains — police, firefighters, teachers and “special interests” — as the root cause of our tax dilemma.

It is no less emblematic of their monolithic worldview that both O’Scanlon and Beck voted against equal pay for women. And it is especially interesting to note that O’Scanlon’s ire and focus of the piece were directed at Vin Gopal, who is not the candidate O’Scanlon is running against. Does he really think so little of Beck and other women that he must “mansplain” complex issues to and for them? Beck should be able to speak for herself to the candidate opposing her, but if she believes women don’t deserve the same pay as men, then perhaps she is better off letting O’Scanlon do the speaking for her.

It is time to stop pointing fingers, blaming others and throwing rocks at other candidates. O’Scanlon has had nine years to solve the tax problem and he hasn’t succeeded yet. Why should he another two years to try? He shouldn’t.

Kevin Akey

Little Silver

Vin Gopal for Senate “I Know”

NJ State Senate Candidate and former Monmouth County Democratic Chairman, Vin Gopal, released his first web ad of his LD 11 Senate campaign today. have  a look at it.



Vin Gopal for Senate "I Know" from NJSDM on Vimeo.

GOPAL: Consolidate small towns

Former Monmouth Chairman and current State Senate candidate Vin Gopal's op-ed was featured in this past Sunday's Asbury Park Press. Vin focused on municipal consolidation as a solution to curb spending and lower property taxes for the residents of New Jersey.  Vin's focus is on 100 towns which have populations of 2,500 and less and those school districts which have zero schools:

Vin Gopal

It’s no secret: too many New Jerseyans are struggling. Across our state, families are being crushed under sky-high property taxes while they strain to make ends meet in one of the nation’s most expensive states.

It's also no secret that little to no progress has been made, despite politicians’ habit of talking a big game.

This stalemate needs to end. We need to prioritize affordability and approach the crisis with an eye to implementing a variety of effective tools, not continuing to look in vain for a silver bullet.

One of these tools must be promoting and simplifying consolidation of our many towns and municipalities across the state. As state senator, I will be the biggest champion for these efforts.

New Jersey has 565 towns, with more than 100 of these having populations under 2,500. This means we have hundreds of sewage authorities, housing authorities, and other agencies, many of which represent constituencies of only a couple thousand. The costs of these unnecessary agencies are being put right onto our already struggling local taxpayers. Yet small towns seeking a way to eliminate these unnecessary services or to combine efforts with other towns facing a similar situation are left without any options.

Take Loch Arbour in Monmouth County’s 11th legislative district for example. Loch Arbour has a population of 194 residents and the Mayor of Loch Arbour, Paul Fernicola, has been an advocate of consolidation for this small town, even trying to eliminate his own job for lack of necessity. But the State of New Jersey won't allow it.

Sewer authorities, housing authorities and utility authorities are another great example of redundant or unnecessary services. Jersey City recently consolidated one of its authorities with the City's Police Department and saved over 1 million dollars for their taxpayers. Meanwhile, commissioners of the Middletown Sewer Authority in Monmouth County make benefits in addition to their paychecks for attending a few meetings a year.

Breakfast Fundraiser with Special Guest Senator Cory Booker in Asbury Park

opal Frustrated with Lack of Movement on Funding Negotiations

June 21st, 2017

Long Branch - After the release of the Prieto-Sweeney funding compromise, no more details have emerged over how districts that received inadequate funding or lost funding will be fixed. Vin Gopal, candidate for State Senate in LD11 expressed his concern:

“I’m frustrated that another day has gone by in Trenton and nothing has been done to address the flaws in the original school funding proposal. Like I said when this proposal was first released, while this plan helps some districts within Monmouth County, others are left struggling and that is completely unacceptable.

“I have made my concerns very clear to Democratic leadership and called on them to do everything they can to minimize the negative impact. Based off of promised state aid numbers, schools in the 11th District have already hired teachers, made significant strategic investments in buses and technology for the upcoming school year, and having to make cuts after their new school year starts on July 1st, puts the education of students at risk."

“Beyond that, we need to continue to focus on a long-term solution like the ones my runningmates, Assemblymembers Downey and Houghtaling have supported, that fully funds our schools. Every student needs to get their fair share, and even after the Preto-Sweeney compromise, we are far from that.”

Monmouth County Chairman, Vin Gopal To Step Down Tomorrow To Challenge Beck For LD 11 Seat

Monmouth County Chairman, Vin Gopal, announced in an email last night that he was stepping down as County Chair in order to challenge incumbent Monmouth County State Senator Jennifer Beck for her seat in LD 11. Word of Gopal's possible intention to challenge Beck was first reported by Observer.com yesterday. The Asbury Park Press is reporting this story today.

Gopal made it official last night with an email blast to county committee members last night:

Dear Monmouth County Democrats,

For the past 4 and ½ years, I have have had the honor of volunteering as your Monmouth County Democratic Party Chairman. I have enjoyed every day of my service to this Party. Together we have created an eminent force against the Republicans as we defeated them year after year in historically Republican municipalities and Legislative Districts.

As your Chairman, my proudest achievement has been growing this party while defeating Republicans across the County. In the past 4 and ½ years, together we have achieved the below successes…

- Built a strong county committee and aggressive local donor fundraising program with a full-time staff to serve the Monmouth County Democrats.

- The election of the first Democrats since 1989 to be elected in the 11th Legislative District - Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey, to breakup the all Republican Legislative body.

- Replaced Republican incumbents and Elected Democratic Mayors in Atlantic Highlands, Matawan, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Shrewsbury, and Spring Lake Heights. We also won the Mayor’s Seat for the first time in 16 years in Monmouth’s 2nd Largest Town, Howell. 3 Years ago, we had 14 Democratic Mayors in this county. Today, we have 23 Democratic Mayors.

- For the first time in over twenty years, we elected Democrats on the Governing bodies of Neptune City and Fair Haven, two towns that have not seen Democrats elected in over twenty years and both towns now run competitive elections.

- Ended the Republican Majority in Allentown for the first time in twenty years.

- Built upon the successes of former Chairman Victor Scudiery and maintained full Democratic Majorities in Aberdeen, Belmar, Freehold Borough, Keyport, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro and Roosevelt.

- Swept all 4 Council Seats in Bradley Beach - Today the entire Bradley Beach Council is Democratic.

- Ended the Republican Majority in Sea Bright

- Added a Democrat seat on the Spring Lake Council

- Welcomed a new Democratic Mayor in Asbury Park and a Democratic Mayor in Loch Arbour.

- Broke the all GOP Township Committee for the first time since 2008 in Manalapan with the election of a Democrat.

- 6 to 0 Majority on Keyport Council now defeating every GOP Councilmember - 2016 election saw the election of two women who beat two incumbent men.

- Elected the first African-American woman Mayor of Atlantic Highlands

- Ended the Republican Majority in Eatontown

- Elected Democrats in Farmingdale for the first time in years, making the town politically competitive.

- Elected and re-elected two Democrats on the Hazlet Township Committee - making the Bayshore town a battleground.

- Built strong local Democratic Parties in traditional Republican strongholds such as Freehold Township, Holmdel, Howell, Millstone, Shrewsbury Borough, Middletown, West Long Branch and Wall Township.

- Made county races competitive, continuing to get 45% to 46% of the vote county-wide, drastically outperforming the top of the ticket in every cycle.

- We made Union Beach a politically competitive town, winning council seats for the first time in over a decade in 2013 and running competitive races in every cycle.

- In 2015, we had a total of 41 Municipal winners, including 5 NEW Democratic Mayors in Ocean Township, Matawan, Oceanport, Atlantic Highlands, and Spring Lake Heights.

- Continued to challenge Governor Chris Christie’s disastrous policies.

Together, we have built a strong Democratic Party which will continue to hold our ideals.

I have decided to enter the race for State Senate in New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District. I do not believe that candidates or elected officials should serve as the county party chair - I believe in transparency and integrity in government and I do not believe that party leaders should be candidates for public office. In my 4 and ½ years volunteering as County Chairman, I have given thousands of hours towards the Democratic Party. I have loved every minute of it. I will continue as a former Chairman to do what I can to support our party, but I will be focused during the next ten months in joining Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey on the 11th District ticket to beat incumbent Senator Jen Beck.

I want to thank our vice Chair Mary Foster, our State Committee Members, our Mayors and elected officials, all our candidates who put their names on the ballot these past several cycles, our countless volunteers and donors, our outstanding Women’s Caucus Members, our State Chairman John Currie, our Congressman Frank Pallone and each and every one of you.

My resignation will take effect Wednesday, January 4th at 12pm. I am confident that Acting Chairwoman Mary Foster will do a great job in running the party until a new Chairperson is elected.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do to support and promote good government.

Vin Gopal


I wish Vin well on this endeavor. Defeating Jennifer Beck won't be easy but if it's to happen, 2017 is the year. In a gubernatorial election year with anti-Republican/Chris Christie sentiment running high, Democrats have a real chance to take the 11th LD after last year's success of Houghtaling and Downey's assembly victories.

LONG BRANCH RESIDENT UPS REWARD $5,000 FOR CAPTURE OF POLICE ASSAILANT

From NJ State PBA:
11/14/16

Vin Gopal

In order to bring attention and awareness to the September 21, 2016 attack on Long Branch police officer Michael Monahan, Long Branch resident Vin Gopal is committed to giving $5,000 on top of the PBA's $25,000 reward through the NJ COP SHOT program and Monmouth County Crime Stoppers bringing the total reward to $30,000.


Anyone with information about the incident is asked to reach out to Detective Joe Spitale of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000. The rewards will be given for information which leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of any suspect(s) in the assault of a police officer.

"We appreciate a Long Branch resident stepping up in order to bring attention back to this issue. It has been nearly two months since the incident and it is important we capture the individual who assaulted Officer Monahan," stated New Jersey State PBA President Pat Colligan.

The NJ State PBA is asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers of Monmouth County at 1-800-671-400 or to text “TIPPCOP” plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES). NJ Cop Shot is a program run by the New Jersey State PBA.

There are two (2) ways to report a crime while remaining completely anonymous (confidential).
1. Call the tip line 1-800-671-4400

2. Text “TIPCOP” plus your tip to: 274637 (CRIMES)

Monmouth County Democrats Endorse Middletown's Phil Murphy For Governor

For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2016

HAZLET - Today, Over 120 Monmouth County Democratic Party Leaders, Mayors & Councilmembers have formally endorsed Former Ambassador and Middletown Resident Phil Murphy for Governor in 2017

Phil Murphy

"Upon consultation with State Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie and our mayors and municipal leaders, we are proud to endorse and give our full support to Monmouth County's own, Phil Murphy, for the 2017 Democratic Nomination for Governor. Since starting his campaign a few months ago, he won over person after person through his progressive ideals and affable personality. He will make an outstanding Democratic Nominee and I look forward to working very hard to see that he is elected Governor of the State of New Jersey in November of 2017," stated Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal

"This is a great day for Monmouth County. Phil Murphy is progressive visionary and he will make a great governor for New Jersey. So many volunteers and supporters helped to get us to this position today," stated Monmouth County Murphy for Governor Coordinator Mike Beson

“Phil is more than just a constituent of mine, but a true leader in our community and a good friend, and I am happy to give him my endorsement,” said Pallone. “I know he shares my commitment to growing clean energy alternatives and protecting our environment, ensuring access to quality health care for all residents, and focusing on rebuilding our infrastructure and economy. He doesn’t shy away from challenges or accept the easy way out, and our next governor must be someone who will serve honestly and with an eye to what is best for the next generation. That’s why Phil has my support," stated U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

“After much discussion with Phil, I’m confident that his vision for New Jersey will provide even more opportunity for us to further the cost saving and job creating measures we have undertaken locally over the past years. Taxpayers in Marlboro, and across the state, will benefit from the fresh new perspective and strong, inclusive, leadership Phil Murphy will bring to the Governor’s Office and I look forward to working with him as our next governor," stated Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik

"We are proud to support Monmouth County's own Phil Murphy for Governor in 2017. It is clear that new leadership is needed after eight years of Chris Christie mismanagement of the state's finances and budget and we are excited to work hard to elect Ambassador Murphy as the next Governor. He has the skillsets we need to move New Jersey forward," stated Assemblymembers Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey

Below is a full list of the 120 leaders who are endorsing today...

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal
Monmouth County Democratic Vice-Chairwoman Mary Foster
Monmouth County Democrats Treasurer David Brown

United States Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch)
State Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune)
State Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Freehold Township)
Former Monmouth County Freeholder John D'Amico
Former Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet
Former Monmouth County Surrogate Patricia Bennett

Unanimous Endorsement from the Middletown Democrats - Ambassador Murphy's Hometown
Don Watson - Middletown Democratic Chairman
Roxanne Judice - Secretary
Mary Foster - Corresponding Secretary
Mary Jo Fabiano - Candidate & Executive Committee member
Ralph Borgess - Candidate & Executive Committee member
Mike Morris - Executive Committee member
Marilyn Maguire - Executive Committee member
Paul Jansen - Executive Committee member
Mike DiCicco - Campaign Treasurer

2016 County-Wide Candidates
Jeff Cantor, Vincent Solomeno, Matt Doherty & Sue Fulton

MAYORS
Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini
Asbury Park Mayor John Moor
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Randi LeGrice
Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty
Lake Como Mayor Brian Wilton
Loch Arbour Mayor Paul Fernicola
Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan
Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik
Matawan Mayor Joe Altomonte
Neptune Mayor Kevin McMillan
Ocean Twp. Mayor Chris Siciliano
Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey
Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna
Roosevelt Mayor Jeff Ellentuck
Spring Lake Heights Mayor Tom O'Brien

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
Aberdeen Councilman Robert Swindle
Aberdeen Councilman Arthur Hirsch
Aberdeen Councilman Joseph Martucci
Aberdeen Councilwoman Margaret Montone
Aberdeen Councilman Greg Cannon
Aberdeen Councilwoman Connie Kelly
Allentown Council President William Borkowski
Allentown Councilman Rob Schmidt
Asbury Park Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton
Atlantic Highlands Council President Roy Dellosso
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Chuck Lero
Belmar Councilwoman Janis Blackburn
Belmar Council President Brian McGovern
Belmar Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay
Belmar Councilman Tom Brennan
Fair Haven Councilman Aimee Humphries
Freehold Borough Councilman Kevin Kane
Freehold Borough Councilman George Schnurr
Hazlet Township Committeeman James DiNardo
Hazlet Township Committeewoman Barbara Ronchetti
Keyport Councilman Matt Goode
Keyport Council President Joe Sheridan
Keyport Councilwoman Sophia Lamberson
Keyport Councilman Isaiah Cooper
Lake Como Councilman Michael Noonan
Lake Como Councilwoman Hawley Scull
Lake Como Councilman Doug Witte
Manalapan Township Committeeman David Kane
Manasquan Councilman Michael Mangan
Matawan Councilman Mike Vergaretti
Matawan Councilman Nick Reeve
Marlboro Councilman Jeff Cantor
Marlboro Councilwoman Carol Mazola
Marlboro Councilman Scott Metzger
Marlboro Councilwoman Randi Marder
Marlboro Councilman Mike Scalea
Neptune Deputy Mayor Dr. Michael Brantley
Neptune Township Committeeman Nick Williams
Neptune Township Committeewoman Carol Rizzo
Neptune Township Committeeman Robert Lane
Ocean Township Deputy Mayor William Garofalo
Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan
Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich
Roosevelt Councilwoman Peggy Malkin
Sea Bright Councilman Marc Leckstein
Sea Bright Councilman Charles Rooney
Shrewsbury Township Committeeman Ed Nolan
Spring Lake Heights Councilman Art Herner
Spring Lake Heights Councilman Tom Vorbach
Union Beach Councilman Tim Perrella
Union Beach Councilman Jeff Williams

MUNICIPAL CHAIRS
Aberdeen Democratic Chairman Greg Cannon
Allentown Democratic Co-Chairs Alice Lloyd and Rob Schmidt
Asbury Park Democratic Chair Joe Grillo
Atlantic Highlands Democratic Chairman Chair Regina Hawley-Keelen
Avon-By-The-Seat Democratic Chairwoman Patricia Sheehan
Belmar Democratic Chairwoman Claire Deicke
Brielle Democratic Chairman John Pirnat
Bradley Beach Democratic Chair Steve Lozowick
Eatontown Democratic Chairman Bill Robinson
Farmingdale Democratic Chair Beau Byrtus
Freehold Borough Democratic Chair Kevin Kane
Freehold Township Democratic Chair Haven Franklin
Hazlet Democratic Chair Audrey Tyler
Highlands Democratic Chair Chris Francy
Holmdel Democratic Chair Larry Luttrell
Howell Democratic Chairman John McCabe
Interlaken Democratic Chairman Bob Napoli
Keyport Democratic Chairwoman Joy Johnson
Loch Arbour Democratic Chairman Paul Fernicola
Manalapan Democratic Chairman David Kane
Manasquan Democratic Chairman Michael Mangan
Marlboro Democratic Chair Lynn Franco
Matawan Democratic Chair Joe Altomonte
Middletown Democratic Chairman Don Watson
Neptune Township Democratic Chairman Jim Mowczan
Ocean Township Democratic Chairman Don Yacavone
Oceanport Democratic Chairman Mike Sikand
Red Bank Democratic Chairman Ed Zipprich
Roosevelt Democratic Chairwoman Peggy Malkin
Rumson Democratic Chairman Michael Steinhorn
Sea Girt Democratic Chair Altha Morton
Sea Bright Democratic Chairman Marc Leckstein
Shrewsbury Borough Democratic Chairwoman Norma Rosenbloom
Shrewsbury Township Democratic Chairman Ed Nolan
Spring Lake Heights Democratic Chairwoman Eileen Eilenberger
Tinton Falls Democratic Chairman Sam Loffredo
Union Beach Democratic Chairmann Ken Connors
Wall Township Democratic Chairman Eric Brophy

Gopal Seeks Reelection As Monmouth Dems Leader

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman, Vin Gopal, has announced his intensions to seek reelection as County Chairman via an email blast to members of the Democratic County Committee.

In the 4 short years that he has lead the Party, Chairman Gopal has done an extremely effective job of getting Democrats elected countywide and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Monmouth County has become the new battleground for NJ politics.  Democratic leaders from all parts of the state are coming to Monmouth County looking for his endorsement because they feel that the Republican hold on Monmouth County is slipping and the opportunity to make inroads have been paved.

Chairman Gopal has my support!


Fellow Democrat:

After four years as Democratic Party Chairman in Monmouth County, I am proud of what we have accomplished together. We have competitive elections at the county and local levels that have never been competitive before, Democrats have won majorities in towns throughout the County that once were under solid Republic control, and for the first time since 1991 the two Assembly seats in the 11th Legislative District are occupied by Democrats.

These accomplishments have forced statewide Democrats to take notice of what is going on right here in Monmouth County, and the state of our party is stronger than ever before.

Thank you for your tireless dedication, for your vocal support of Democratic candidates and democratic values, and for donating your time and your hard earned money to our party. It has been a rewarding and exciting journey in Monmouth County, one that would not have been possible without you.

Today, I am emailing our 900 Democratic County Committee Members to humbly ask for your support as I seek re-election as Chairman of the Monmouth County Democrats.

I have had the privilege of working with each and every one of you to continue to build upon the great work of my predecessor and I hope that you will not only give me the pleasure of continuing to do so in a third term as Chairman, but that you will take some time to reflect upon the great accomplishments of our party over our last four years together.

The following are just some of what we have accomplished in the last four years...

- The election of two state legislators in the 11th District (all Monmouth County - 18 towns from Colts Neck to Neptune) for the first time since 1991

- Election of a Democratic Mayor in Matawan, defeating an 8 year Republican incumbent

- Election of a Democratic Mayor in Atlantic Highlands, replacing an 8 year Republican incumbent

- Winning a Democratic Majority in Allentown for the first time in over 30 years

- Election of new Democratic Mayor in Spring Lake Heights, replacing Republican incumbent

- Election of the first Democrat Elected in Fair Haven in over 30 years, now making it a swing town

- Election of the first Democrat Elected in Neptune City in over 25 years, now making it a swing town

- Election of first Democrats Elected in Farmingdale in over a decade, now making it a swing town

- Breaking the all GOP Committee in Hazlet Township, now having 2 members on the governing body

- Election of first Democratic Mayor in Loch Arbour in over a decade

- Breaking the all GOP Committee in Manalapan for the first time since 2008

- Election of first Democratic Mayor in Ocean Township in over a decade

- Election of first Democratic Mayor in Oceanport in over a decade

- Election of Democratic Councilmembers in Union Beach for the first time in over a decade

- Maintaining Strong Democratic Majorities in towns throughout Monmouth County - from Aberdeen to Belmar and Marlboro to Lake Como - towns which have helped build the county party


Once again, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Vin Gopal

Chairman, Monmouth County Democrats

Gopal And Cantor To Golden: Do You Support Donald Trump?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2016


HAZLET- Following Republican Presidential front runner Donald Trump's repeated calls to reinstitute waterboarding as a means of interrogation and for torture methods that would go further, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal and Monmouth County Democratic candidate for Sheriff Jeff Cantor, a 30 year military veteran, released the following statement asking Monmouth County Republican Chairman and County Sheriff Shaun Golden if he supports Trump for President.

" Like millions across the world, we were appalled to see the most recent atrocities carried out by those that would seek to plunge our world into chaos and violence. Also, like many, we want to see everyone involved brought to justice so that they may be punished and so they may shed light on any other potential plots against humanity. However, in a civilized society, torture can never be the answer. The fact that the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for President, Donald Trump, proudly stands in favor of torturing suspects is truly disturbing. While it may be a bit unorthodox for both the Democratic Chairman and the Democratic candidate for Sheriff to both call on Shaun Golden to say whether he endorses Donald Trump for President, it is entirely appropriate in this case given the fact that Golden serves two very important and influential roles in Monmouth County.

Serving as Monmouth County Sheriff, Shaun Golden is the top law enforcement official in Monmouth County, and county residents deserve to know if he stands in support of someone who strongly and proudly advocates in favor of torture. As the Monmouth County Republican Chairman, Shaun Golden most certainly needs to take into consideration the fact that the head of the Republican Party in New Jersey, Chris Christie, has been among Donald Trump's most outspoken supporters. While these two positions may be at odds, it is time for Shaun Golden to let everyone know if he stands in support of Donald Trump. We would appreciate the Chairman's answer before his hand-picked Freeholder candidates pass the budget for his Sheriff's Department tonight."

Jeff Cantor previously announced his candidacy for Monmouth County Sheriff. Cantor has been in the U.S. Army, both active and in the reserves, since 1985. He has served our country around the world, including deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. After starting as a Private First Class, Cantor rose through the ranks and has earned the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserves. Jeff Cantor has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (2nd award); He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Big Night For Dems In The 11Th Assembly District

The biggest upset of the night came in the 11th Assembly District; Democrats Eric Houghtaling and Joan Downey defeated Republican incumbents Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande.

The 11th District has been a Republican stronghold for a very long time. However, it was only a matter of time, Democrats have been making inroads throughout the district for the past several years. A lot of hard work has been put in over the years laid the ground work and was the difference.

Monmouth County Democrats, Vin Gopal and the candidates Houghtaling and Downey, deserve a lot of credit for unseating Angelini and Casagrande. Their hard work finally paid off!

TODAY IS BALLOT DRAWING FOR NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2015



Republicans have won the first spot roughly 90% of the time. According to the Asbury Park Press in 2012, statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million.

FREEHOLD - Today in her capacity as County Clerk, prominent Monmouth County Republican Christine Hanlon will hold a drawing to determine the ballot position for the Democratic and Republican Party candidates in the upcoming November General Elections. This election will be held on November 3rd. Hanlon was Vice Chair of the County Republican Party until her appointment by Government Chris Christie earlier this year. After questions and criticisms about the process were raised in recent years, the Monmouth County Democratic Organization will be keeping a close watch as the positions are drawn.

During the ballot drawing, two capsules are used, one with the Democratic Party name and another with the Republican Party. The names are drawn from a box to determine where the parties will be placed on the ballot. To date, the Monmouth County Republicans have won the coveted first ballot position 31 of the last 35 general elections, roughly 90% of the time.

"We will have attorneys and supporters ready today to inspect the capsules and ensure that the ballot drawing today is fair," said Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party. "Questions have been raised about the statistical probability that the same party win first ballot position so many years in a row," Gopal continued. "In the interest of upholding our democratic process, we will be keeping a close watch on the drawing."

In October of 2012, the Asbury Park Press reported on the County's ballot drawing process, noting that "the party has won the draw for the first ballot position in 30 of the last 33 general elections - statistically nearly impossible odds. Statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million." The cover page story entitled "Are Monmouth County Republicans Cheating" raised red flags for county residents.

To read the Asbury Park Press Article, please click the following link http://archive.app.com/article/20121007/NJNEWS/310070041/Monmouth%20County%20ballots

"Rumors about questionable tactics have surrounded the ballot process. For instance, apparently refrigerating one of the capsules allows the clerk to choose the colder one and give preference to his or her own party. While it is my sincere hope that our new County Clerk will handle this process with professionalism and integrity, our attorneys will be watching closely - just to be sure."

Gopal indicated that the party will be prepared to file a complaint with the county prosecutors office if any inappropriate activity is suspected. It is imperative that the sanctity of the Democratic process is preserved and protected.

The ballot drawing will take place at 3:00pm at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold.

Statement From Democratic County Chairman Calls For Resignation of Union Beach Mayor

For Immediate Release:

The following is a statement from Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal regarding the recent comments by Union Beach Mayor Paul Smith, as highlighted in today's Asbury Park Press

http://www.app.com/story/news/local/monmouth-county/2015/03/09/facebook-posts-put-monmoth-gop-officials-hot-water/24664635/


"Union Beach Mayor Paul Smith's bigoted and blatantly false comments have no place in our political discourse and raise serious questions about his ability to uphold his oath of office. His comments show a complete lack of respect for the people of Monmouth County and for the President of this country. They are beneath the office he holds and undermine our confidence in his ability to fairly represent people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. For that reason, the Mayor should resign and I urge Republican Party Chairman Shaun Golden and the Republican Freeholder Board to join me in asking Mayor Smith to resign."

No excuse for layoffs at Brookdale

Vin Gopal is chairman of the Monmouth County Democrats and is the author of this article that appeared in yesterday's Asbury Park Press:

The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has gutted funding to Brookdale Community College three years in a row. It’s plain and simple: What was once the educational pearl of Monmouth is now in jeopardy as a direct result of the one-party-controlled freeholder board.

A recommendation made last week by the college’s Board of Trustees (most of whom are selected by the all-Republican freeholder board) announced a plan for 210 layoffs of faculty and staff. This comes after the third year in a row of significant cuts by Monmouth County’s freeholder board to Brookdale’s funding.

Monmouth County’s funding has dropped an astounding 23 percent in just three years — more than $6 million. The college is expecting another $1.5 million cut in county funding for 2015, a 6 percent drop in a year. Brookdale officials are expecting funds raised by tuition and fees to increase by 2.5 percent next year and enrollment has dropped 12 percent in just three years.

The freeholders claim that money for Brookdale is not there. That is simply not true. Instead of properly funding Brookdale Community College, the board has allowed $6.5 million taxpayer money, annually, to be wasted on managing two county-run nursing homes. Government-funded nursing homes are a thing of the past and counties including Mercer, Sussex and Salem have all successfully sold their own to competent private buyers, all of whom have done an excellent job operating them with the same quality of care.

Government used to run these types of care centers in the 1960s and 1970s, but we do not need to be in the nursing home business in 2014. We need to be providing students and their parents with affordable educational options, especially at a time when the importance of a college degree is increasing faster than ever. Monmouth freeholders have the opportunity to do this and protect those jobs at Brookdale.

This past election, in a big landslide year for national Republicans, Monmouth County residents narrowly voted to re-elect Monmouth County Republican Freeholders Lillian Burry and Gary Rich with 53 percent of the vote. This should be a wakeup call to county Republicans, not a moment of celebration. County Republican freeholders usually win Monmouth by larger margins. Residents are realizing, more and more, that county Republicans are responsible for our high taxes and waste.

There is no Republican or Democratic way to fix a pothole. There is a right way and a wrong way. The Monmouth County Democrats have taken the position that privatizing the nursing homes because it is what is right for the 630,000 residents of this county.

The solution for Brookdale is crystal clear. The All-Republican freeholder board can privatize the nursing homes and save Brookdale students and families a tuition increase and save the 210 folks about to get laid off. The ball is in their court.

Join us in holding them accountable by locally joining a political party that will fight for every taxpayer in this county. Locally, the Monmouth County Democrats are fighting for taxpayers in our 53 towns.

Monmouth County Dem Chair Vin Gopal Named A Deputy Vice Chair of NJDSC

Congratulations are in order for Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal for being named as a Deputy Vice-Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee by it's Chairman John Currie. The promotion came this past Friday at the State Democrats annual conference in Atlantic City.

Here's the press release:

CHAIRMAN CURRIE APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY VICE CHAIRS

Oliver, Bell, Goldstein and Gopal Promoted to NJDSC Leadership to Advise Chair and Vice-Chair on Party Matters

(Atlantic City, New Jersey) – Members of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee met in a voting session on Friday at the party’s 18th annual conference in Atlantic City, where Chairman Currie announced the promotion of four party activists to the position of Deputy Vice Chair.

“I am thrilled to name these four outstanding New Jersey Democrats as Deputy Vice Chairs. I will look to them for guidance and support as the campaign season progresses. These individuals represent diverse interests and regions and they have all been leaders in their respective communities,” said Chairman Currie. “They strengthen the NJDSC leadership team and increase our ability to conduct outreach and other party business across the state.”

The new Deputy Vice Chairs are: State Assembly Speaker Emeritus Sheila Oliver; Atlantic County Freeholder at-Large Colin Bell, the Founder and Chair Emeritus of Garden State Equality, Steven Goldstein, and Monmouth County Democratic Committee Chairman Vin Gopal. In their new roles, these party officers will advise Chairman Currie and Vice Chair Lizette Delgado-Polanco on a range of party affairs and serve as emissaries at regional events.

In addition, a quorum of NJDSC voting members authorized the organization to establish additional caucuses that will help build grassroots

Gopal Launching "Jersey Promise"

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal is starting a new venture designed to help those throughout Central Jersey who are in need and struggling post-Hurricane Sandy. Gopal has announced that he will be launching a new non-profit  called "Jersey Promise".

According to Gopal, Jersey Promise's mission will be to" lift the burden of those in need and help unleash the potential within themselves."

In the coming months, some of the programs Jersey Promise will be focusing on include:

• Annual Turkey Drive for those in need.Annual Christmas Toy Drive for those in need.
• Annual Food Drive to support our local food banks
• Annual Coat Drive for those cold in winter
• Grocery Assistance and Senior Check-In for seniors, those house-bound and living alone
• GED Training Programs
• Tutoring and SAT Prep for students in need
• Resume Assistance and Job Search Support

To learn more about Vin Gopal's new non-profit you can visit the website  and/or  "Like" Jersey Promise's on Facebook  to follow its activities. Vin Gopal is also in the process of putting together a Board of Directors for Jersey Promise and is seeking volunteers for various programs. If you are interested in learning more, please click here.

Jersey Promise will officially launch with a reception on Wednesday, July 31st, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, at the Dauphin Grille at Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ. Tickets are $30 and include a full dinner. Sponsorships are also available - this is a great way to learn about the organization while meeting folks from throughout the area. To purchase tickets, click here.

Rep. Frank Pallone Not Satisfied With Sandy Response and Recovery Effort

The Jersey Shore is open for business, but for homeowners and many small businesses, there is still a long way to go to recovery. In case you missed it, Congressman Frank Pallone along with Asbury Park's Langosta Lounge owner Marilyn Schlossbach were interviewed today on MSNBC's Jansing & Co.

Besides being a restaurateur, Schlossbach had a brief political career of her own. Back in 2011 she was the running mate of Monmouth County Chairman Vin Gopal when they were running for State Assembly in 11th Legislative District. . Schlossbach had to drop out of the race in September of that year due to damage sustained by a number of her other restaurants as a result of Hurricane Irene. She was replaced on the ticket by Red Bank councilwoman Kathy Horgan.

APP names Vin Gopal And Matt Doherty as "Rising Star" Up-And-Comers To Keep An Eye On

The Asbury Park Press yesterday published a list of 15 up-and-coming political figures in the state to keep an eye on in the upcoming months and years. Chief among them were Monmouth County Democratic Party ChairmanVin Gopal and Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty.

This honor is well deserved, each of these guys are hard working individuals that do an outstanding job. They are each dedicated to those that they serve and have a very bright future ahead of them. People around the state should definitely keep an eye on them.

Here's what the APP had to say about them:

Monmouth County Chairman Vin Gopal

Vin Gopal, Democrat, 27, of Long Branch, was elected Monmouth County Democratic Party chairman in June 2012, making him the youngest county chairman in the state. “He’s a go-getter, he will enliven the party,” one observer noted. His aggressive fundraising efforts have helped the Democrats win elections in key municipalities and his grass-roots organizing has led to the formation of new Democratic clubs in Allentown, Upper Freehold, Neptune City, Little Silver, West Long Branch and other municipalities. He is a small-business owner.

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty, Democrat, 39, is a first-term mayor in Belmar. He already was on the radar of some New Jersey political observers as a bright, well-connected potential fast-riser from the municipal ranks before superstorm Sandy hit. But amid the Shore devastation, Doherty, who is a financial adviser, has made a bigger name for himself as one of the prominent local voices vowing to restore their communities. There will be plenty of praise to go around for the Shore towns that have recovered enough to keep the tourism dollars flowing as the weather warms. If Belmar delivers, Doherty could ride a congratulatory wave a long way.