Houghtaling and Downey Call for Suspension of Tax Administrator

For Immediate Release:
11/24/15

Asks on Current Monmouth Legislators and County Officials to do the same

Assemblymembers Elect Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey are calling on Monmouth County officials to move toward the suspension of Monmouth County Tax Administrator Matthew S. Clark.

“Matthew Clark has cast an even larger shadow over Monmouth County’s controversial tax program and we do not believe taxpayers can trust its implementation with an administrator who is part of an ongoing investigation. We are asking all twelve state legislators and five county freeholders representing Monmouth County to join us in calling for Clark’s suspension. There is too much at risk for taxpayers.”

Clark is part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial tax program implemented by Monmouth County, the Assessment Demonstration Program. The investigation gained momentum when emails released showed Clark shared sensitive information about Ocean Township’s reassessment project with a private contractor, Realty Appraisal Co. Realty Appraisal went on to win a contract worth more than $500,000 with Ocean Township just months later. Several Monmouth County mayors have already expressed frustration with the program and some municipalities have moved to file suit with the county in response. The ADP Program was enacted by legislation sponsored by several current members of the Monmouth County Legislative Delegation.

Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey were elected in early November 2015 to the New Jersey General Assembly to represent the 11th Legislative District. The district encompasses 18 municipalities stretching from Freehold to Monmouth County’s eastern shore. Houghtaling and Downey begin their first terms in the State Legislature on January 12th.