Froelich For Freeholder: 'Once more unto the breech'

I would like to thank the over four hundred Democrats from every Town and District in Monmouth County who nominated me at the convention this past Saturday to run for Monmouth County Freeholder in the November election.

The monopoly control of any political body by one political party is not healthy and leads, inevitably, to corruption. The Republicans now have an unchallenged and unhealthy monopoly on the Freeholder Board. And they have tried to abuse that advantage for the benefit of their friends. A Democratic watchdog is minimally required to provide necessary sunlight and oversight on their actions.

Brian Froelich

Here are some examples. The current Lucas land deal is the latest Board scandal. But when it first came up for a Freeholder vote several years ago, the only Freeholder who voted against it was the only Democrat, Amy Mallet. If not for Amy, this sleazy deal might have slipped by without notice. Then, once Amy left the Board, the Republican monopoly voted quickly to repeal its ‘pay for play’ ethical prohibitions. And it was the Democrats that pointed out the long term misfeasance (or malfeasance) in the Republican Monmouth County Clerk’s office regarding voter ballot positioning.

The duty of the minority party is to be a watchdog on the majority.

Here are some abilities I can bring to the role of resident watchdog on the Freeholder Board.

On the current Freeholders Board we have a landscaper, a car dealer, a salesman, a real estate agent, and a lawyer. These are all fine professions and small businesses to be represented on the Board. But none of these members are educated or experienced on the accounting, finance, or management skills needed to monitor the half billion dollar enterprise which is Monmouth County.

I have a degree in finance and an advanced degree in accounting and law and I was an auditor with the largest accounting firms in the world. And I know about monitoring government agencies. I performed special audits of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) here in New Jersey and of the Board of Education in New York City. Both of those audits uncovered real problems in those agencies.

I also know about controlling large organization as well as small. I served as a controller of a subsidiary of a New York Stock Exchange company. And, besides starting my own small business, I managed multi-billion dollar businesses for American Express- one of the most well managed companies in the world.


In short, I will bring important, necessary, and missing education, experience, and management skills to the Freeholder Board. These are abilities that will help the Board and county agencies and make me a formidable watchdog for the residents of Monmouth County.

I seek your support for this important role.

Brian Froelich

Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder

Spring Lake, NJ

Monmouth Freeholders adopt weak State pay-to-play rules, abandon stronger County rules in place since 2008

Fortunately, former Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet is still on the job as a outspoken member of the public. The Middletown Patch reported on 1/31/12 that this year’s all-GOP Freeholder Board voted unanimously last week to loosen the County’s pay-to-play rules, and Amy was there to call them on it!

In a vote on Jan. 26th, the Board chose to abandon the tougher County pay-to-play rules for the lax State ones. The reason given by the Board is that contractors were confused by the County rules. However, many other municipalities and counties have the stronger pay-to-play rules in place, so contractors doing business in other towns would already be familiar with them.

The Board’s decision opens the door to rewarding politically connected persons and businesses with County contracts. The move weakens competition and may have the direct effect of increasing property taxes in line with higher contract costs. It’s hard to imagine why any ethical publicly-minded governmental body would do such a thing, unless for personal benefit. It appears the Board members have chosen to grant themselves the latitude to direct contracts at will to ensure their pockets will be lined at election time.

State Comptroller Matthew Boxer said himself that the State pay-to-play law does nothing to prevent the practice by local governments. In September 2011, he released a 20-page report “blasting the law for being toothless” as NJ.com put it.

The effectiveness of Christie’s Tool Kit at holding down property taxes would be vastly improved if it closed the loopholes in the State’s pay-to-play law. But until that happens, it is incumbent upon local governments to do what’s right by having strong pay-to-play rules of their own.

Public advocacy group The Citizens Campaign is calling for the public to attend the Monmouth County Freeholder meeting on Feb. 9th, when the Board will be asked to reinstate the stronger pay-to-play policy. For details, check out their facebook page and if you can, make plans to attend.

Clean sweep for Republicans in Legislative and County Races in Monmouth

Besides being an other tough election night in Middletown it was also a tough night for Democratic candidates that were running in the 11th, 12th and 13th Legislative Districts as well as Monmouth County.

The Teams of Santiago, Gopal & Horigan (11th), Brown, Spedding & Rome (12th) and Cullen, Lavan & Short(13th), Morlino, Klienhendler & O'Rourke (30th) as well as, Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet, her running mate Bill Shea and Surrogate candidate Michael Steinhorn all lost their respective races.

The big upsets out of this bunch needless to say, are the losses of Amy Mallet and Vin Gopal who both gained the endorsements of the Asbury Park Press.

Mallet presence on the Board of Chosen Freeholders will be missed. She was responsible for spear heading the effort to create the County's Department of Veterans Affairs (at no cost to tax payers), the County's solar initiative and was a leading voice for the ouster of the Brookdale trustees who where responsible for giving such lavish perks and contract to former Brookdale President Peter Burnham. Mallet was also an advocate for term limits for appointees of various boards and commissions through out the County so that abuses like the one discovered at Brookdale would not be repeated elsewhere.

After picking up the endorsement of the Asbury Park Press expectations skyrocketed for Vin Gopal to wrestle 1 of the 2 available Assembly seats away from the incumbent Republicans. The Republicans thought that Gopal's election to the Assembly was such a strong possibility, they resorted to an all out personal attack on him by sending out inflammatory and totally misleading campaign material about him that both the Newark Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press condemned as dirty and false.

Below are the official results of each race from the Monmouth County Clerks webpage:

11th District Senate

REP - Jennifer Beck 20,156 - 56.59%
DEM - Raymond Santiago 15,419 - 43.29%

11th District Assembly

REP - Mary Pat Angelini	18,420	26.39%
REP - Caroline Casagrande	18,679	26.76%
DEM - Vin Gopal	15,333	21.97%
DEM - Kathleen Horgan	15,000	21.49%
- Daniel Jacobson	2,340	3.35%

12th District Senate

REP - Samuel D. Thompson	6,089	59.20%
DEM - Robert 'Bob' Brown	4,182	40.66%

12th District Assembly

REP - Ronald S. Dancer	6,155	30.27%
REP - Robert D. Clifton	6,090	29.95%
DEM - William 'Bill' Spedding	3,995	19.65%
DEM - Catherine Tinney Rome	4,076	20.05%

13th District Senate

REP - Joe Kyrillos, Jr.	24,041	59.89%
DEM - Christopher G. Cullen	14,739	36.72%
- Karen Anne Zaletel	515	1.28%
- Stephen J. Boracchia	554	1.38%
- MacDara F. Lyden	257	0.64%

13th District Assembly

REP - Amy H. Handlin	23,993	30.49%
REP - Declan O'Scanlon	22,685	28.82%
DEM - Kevin M. Lavan	15,118	19.21%
DEM - Patrick Short	15,286	19.42%
- Frank C. Cottone	830	1.05%
- William H. Lawton	751	0.95%

30th District Senate

REP - Robert W. Singer	12,991	63.58%
DEM - Steve Morlino	7,419	36.31%

30th District Assembly

REP - Sean T. Kean	14,058	34.22%
REP - David P. Rible	12,704	30.92%
DEM - Howard Kleinhendler	6,451	15.70%
DEM - Shaun O'Rourke	7,112	17.31%
- David Schneck	729	1.77%

Monmouth County Freeholder

REP - Gary Rich	54,979	26.60%
REP - Lillian G. Burry	54,969	26.59%
DEM - Amy Mallet	46,413	22.45%
DEM - William Shea	43,457	21.02%
- Thomas Markowski	5,418	2.62%
- Patrick Noble	1,389	0.67%

Monmouth County Surrogate

REP - Rosemarie D. Peters	62,108	60.23%
DEM - Michael Steinhorn	40,894	39.65%
Write-In	124	0.12%

Freeholder Amy Mallet Is Asking for Your Vote Tuesday November 8 (Tomorrow)

Please vote on Tuesday! Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

I will never forget the oath I took when first elected three years ago. Difficult decisions are being made constantly, but my policies have always put People Before Politics. In the words of the Asbury Park Press where they endorsed my re-election bid for Freeholder, "Mallet has been the strongest voice for open government and fiscal restraint."


My proud accomplishments include leading the charge in opening the Monmouth County Veterans Service Office, initiating the first major installation of solar power for County buildings, and the Wellness Discount Card for all residents of Monmouth County. I sent the library budget back because I would not accept tax increases to fatten up a reserve fund which resulted in saving taxpayers $6 million.


As the "watchdog" of the board, I've successfully fought for more transparency in government. While it has improved, there is still more work to do. What sets me apart is my commitment to serving all the people of Monmouth County. I am the only member of the present board who supports a healthy policy of term limits for members of our autonomous boards and commissions. I have stood up against costly cronyism and maintain a very high ethical standard. It is my hope that the people of Monmouth County will come out to support me in this year's election since there is more work to be done.

On Tuesday, November 8, I ask you to cast your vote for Amy Mallet and my running mate, William Shea for Freeholder.


Sincerely,

Freeholder Amy Mallet

Ever Wonder Why Lillian Burry Maintains Her Silence On Resignations?

Yesterday's editorial in the Asbury Park Press questioned why the Brookdale College Board of Trustees didn't do a better job of scrutinizing the expenses of former college President Peter Burnham and once again calls for the resignation of the Board President Howard Birdsall and Board Attorney John M. Cantalupo.

Birdsall and Cantalupo have both arrogantly ignored numerous requests from Freeholders Amy Mallet and John Curley, the Asbury Park Press and others to resign. So why haven't they felt it necessary to admit a certain degree of fault in this scandal and heed the call to step down? It could be argued rather successfully that both looked the other way when others told them of Burnham's improprieties.

It is also rather curious why the grand-dame of the Monmouth County Freeholder Board, Lillian Burry, hasn't spoken out and demanded Birdsall and Cantalupo step down. After all, Burry was criticized for not speaking out sooner on the Burnham situation when the first allegations of improprieties surfaced against him.

Why is that do you think?

It couldn't have anything to do with the fact the John M. Cantalupo is a close personal friend of Burry's and has been acting as her Campaign Treasurer over the years, could it? Let's think about it for a second, who was negotiating the terms Peter Burnham's Brookdale contracts over the years, it was Cantalupo. Given Cantalupo's status as personal friend and campaign treasurer, I find it hard to believe that Burry had no idea of over the years, what was contained in Burnham's employment contracts.

And what about Howard Birdsall and his company, Birdsall Service Group ? Both are so intertwined within Monmouth County through political donations and public contracts, that Lillian Burry must feels it's not in her best interest to speak out publicly against Birdsall

It's for these reasons and others why it is so important to impose term limits on those that serve on volunteer boards and commissions in Monmouth County as Freeholder Mallet proposed last month but had her proposal voted down by her Republican colleagues on the Freeholder Board.

As stated in the APP editorial, it's time for Birdsall and Cantalupo to accept part of the blame for the Burnham scandal and step down from the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees.

Monmouth Candidates Picked During Today's Convention

Earlier today the Monmouth County Democrats held their annual "mini-convention" at Carpenter's Hall in Red Bank, unfortunately I couldn't be in attendance because of my work schedule but based on the outcome, I didn't miss any surprises.

I spent the past few days reaching out and making phone calls to those at the County and a few candidates that I had known were running. They gave me a pretty good picture of those that had intended to seek office. I agreed not to post anything here on the blog prematurely due to the fact that many of the candidates hadn't really had enough time to consider their chances with the newly drawn legislative districts and there was a chance that others would step forward this morning. But after talking to a few people after the convention, I was informed that did not happen. All candidates ran unopposed which was seen as a sign of party unity.

Those seeking office this year for the Monmouth County Dems are:

Bill Shea, Howell - Monmouth County Freeholder

Michael Steinhorn, Rumson - Monmouth County Surrogate

Ray Santiago , Freehold - 11th District State Senate

Marilyn Schlossbach, Asbury Park - 11th District State Assembly

Vin Gopal, Long Branch - 11th District State Assembly

Robert Brown, Old Bridge - 12th District State Senate

Catherine Tinney-Rome, Old Bride - 12th District State Assembly

Christopher Cullen, Hazlet - 13th District State Senate

Kevin Lavan, Hazlet - 13th District State Assembly

Patrick Short, Middletown - 13th District State Assemly

Steve Morlino, Howell - 30th Distrcit State Senate

In the 12th District, I was told by Senate candidate Robert Brown Tuesday night, that the Monmouth Democrats would defer endorsements of candidates to the other counties in the district and that is exactly what happened.

I was told that the same would hold true in the 30th District after Morlino was chosen to be the Democratic Challenger in that race.

Speaking with Freeholder Amy Mallet last night, she was extremely happy with her choice of running mate Bill Shea, she couldn't say enough good things about him. Freeholder Mallet told me that she interviewed many potential running mates, but Bill Shea stood out.

Freeholder Mallet told me that Shea was a new comer to politics but he was very intelligent, extremely likable and energetic. Bill Shea will be retiring in June from the NJ State Troopers, where he is a highly respected officer who has been injured numerous times in the line of duty, he is seen as a no-nonsense type of guy.

Talking to Vin Gopal Thursday night, he mentioned Marilyn Schlossbach was to be his running mate for the 11th District Assembly. He told me that she was a chef/restaurateur from Asbury Park, who has been involved in many philanthropic causes and is well liked and known by many throughout the shore area.

Freeholder Amy Mallet's Re-Election Kickoff

You are cordially invited to attend

Freeholder Amy Mallet's Re-Election Kickoff

w/ Special Guest

Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono

CO-HOSTED BY:

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik

Chairman Victor Scudiery

Hon. John D'Amico

Marlboro Council President Frank LaRocca

Holmdel Committeeman Larry Fink

Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich

Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan

Neptune Committeeman Randy Bishop

Manalapan Committeewoman Michelle Roth

Wall Township Democratic Chairman Eric Brophy

Bradley Beach Mayor Julie Shreck

Ray Santiago, Esq.

Sean F. Byrnes, Esq.

Jonathan Lomurro, Esq.

Mr. John Amberg

Mr. Chuck Fallon

Mr. Justin Braz

Bella Vista Country Club

100 School Road East

Marlboro, NJ

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Tickets: $75

Sponsorship: $300

Please make checks payable to 'Friends of Amy Mallet'

RSVP to Vin Gopal

vin.gopal.2008@gmail.com or 732-299-5625

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman's Ball Huge Success

I just got in a few minutes ago from the Monmouth County Democratic Chairman's that was held at Sterling Gardens in Matawan this evening and based on what I witnessed there I have to say that it was a huge success.

I got there late due to the fact that I had came directly from work. I knew I was in for a special evening when I couldn't find a parking spot and had to double park along the back fence of the lot.

Inside I was stunned to see that it was wall to wall Democrats that came out to see special guest, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who took the time out of his busy schedule to stop by Monmouth County and honor Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery.

It's been a long time since I've seen such a large turn-out as this, with ticket that cost $125 a person they really raked in some cash.

I wish that I could remember exactly what Booker spoke about, I was still a little disheveled from arriving late but from what I do remember, Mayor Booker gave a very inspirational speech about his father and growing up. He related those experiences to how he now perceives himself and how he wishes to help others.

I was very impressed.

I heard him speak before at an Obama Rally in Newark last year but was to far away to appreciate what he was saying. He definitely has the "IT" factor. He will be a huge force in politics both locally and nationally for a long time if he chooses to be.

After Mayor Booker left the reception center, Congressman Frank Pallone and the candidates for County Office, Sheriff candidate Eric Brophy, Freeholder Candidate Janice Venable and Freeholders Amy Mallet and John D'Amico spoke about the issues and the upcoming election.

They really got those in the audience fired-up, which I was happy to see, because it seems that Democrats have just been going through the motions this year with little enthusiasm. I felt that those that walked out of the reception center were really going to start engaging full throttle in this years election as they left.

Speaking of "as they left", I want to thank Chairman Scudiery for stopping Mayor Booker on his way out the door long enough to introduce him to me so that I could grab a picture with him. I also want to thank John McCarthy for being in the right place at the right time. As I was standing there trying to get a picture of Mayor Booker my camera's batteries died, if he wasn't there to remind me that I had another camera built within my cell phone and was willing to take the photo, I would never have forgiven myself for walking out the door early this morning without back-up batteries. Thank you both.

Monmouth County Saves Green by Going Green; Freeholder Mallet Spearheads The Initiative On Behalf Monmouth County

Monmouth County Democrats's Notes facebook page

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has partnered with a solar power developer to install solar panels at five county locations that will allow the county to reap the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy technology.

“With this agreement, Monmouth County positions itself as a leader in New Jersey for sustainable energy production,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the county. “The stars are aligned so that the county is getting new roofs, we’re saving $3 million, we’re creating jobs and it’s all being done at no cost to the taxpayers.”

The 15-year Power Purchase Agreements authorized by state law allow the county to contract with a solar energy firm to install and maintain the system. Under the contract, the county will provide the sites and will agree to purchase the electricity generated. Dobco Inc. of Wayne will install, maintain and accept electricity production responsibilities over the 15-year life of the contract.

Solar companies are able to sell power at a discounted rate as a result of regulatory and tax incentives which are currently available in order to buoy alternative energy projects.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously approved a resolution to enter into a solar power partnership with Dobco at its May 27 meeting.

“Unlike recently implemented solar programs in other counties, Monmouth County will not incur debt to finance or provide guarantee for any part of the project,” Mallet said.

The solar photo-voltaic (PV) systems will be installed at five county locations that are among the highest consumers of electricity. PV systems use canopy and roof mounted solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. All but the Human Services Complex in Freehold Township will be getting new roofs. At Human Services, solar panels will be installed in the rear parking lot.

All five locations combined will generate about 1.5 megawatts of electricity. They are:

· Hall of Records in Freehold;

· County Courthouse in Freehold;

· John L. Montgomery Care Center in Freehold Township;

· Human Services Complex in Freehold Township, and

· Library Headquarters in Manalapan.

The county is expected to save $144,000 dollars in fiscal year 2011 and $2.5 million over the course of the 15-year agreement. Adding the $600,000 value of the new roofs brings the total value to more than $3 million.

The county’s solar initiative comes less than two years after the Board of Chosen Freeholders created a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Committee, which conducted an energy audit of county buildings that indicated where the PV systems should be installed. Freeholder John D’Amico credited the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Committee with paving the way for the county’s solar projects.

“This is an innovative program, and it puts Monmouth County on the forefront in taking advantage of energy credits that New Jersey permits,” said D’Amico, who has advocated for federal legislation to supply funding for energy reduction projects. “New Jersey is second to California in solar energy.”

With this contract, Monmouth County becomes a state leader in its efforts to create clean, renewable, sustainable energy, Mallet said.

“The catastrophe which is occurring in the Gulf of Mexico is undeniable proof that we need to find real alternatives to the industrialization of our precious natural resources,” Mallet said. “Clean and renewable energy is the direction we all need to take. This bold effort demonstrates that Monmouth County is serious about seeking alternative fuel sources and protecting the environment.”

By completing these PV projects, the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be equivalent to:

· 1,286 metric tons of coal per year;

· 246 passenger vehicles per year;

· 144,655 gallons of gasoline per year;

· 2,991 barrels of oil per year;

· annual electricity usage of 167 homes per year, or

· 32,976 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

The county is in the planning stages now for additional phases of implementation at other county facilities and properties.

“This is an excellent beginning,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said.

Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet Deserves Credit For Library's $6M Budget Cut

It's good to see that someone at the county level is looking out for the tax payers here in Monmouth County.

After weeks of pressure, Freeholder Amy Mallet was successful in her efforts to have the the budget for the Monmouth County Library System scrutinized more closely and its a good thing that she did because the freeholder board's finance director, Craig Marshall, found$6M in surplus funds that the Library Commission had been stockpiling in it's rainy day fund.

Thanks to this finding the library commission will reduce its tax levy by $430,000, which would make the tax levy for the library system the same as in the previous year.

It's too bad that Freehold Director Lillian Burry, places partisan politics ahead of good fiscal practices, by refusing to give Freeholder Mallet credit for the savings. It shouldn't come as a surprise thought because Mallet has accused Burry in the past of obstructing closer looks at the budgets of other county departments.

Bob Jordan of the Asbury Park Press wrote about it in an article published on line Friday and which appeared in print yesterday.

"A closer look at the Monmouth County Library Commission's books — not those on the shelves, but the accountant's books — has led to good news for taxpayers, with significant budget and tax levy reductions.

Pressure by the county Board of Freeholders prompted the semiautonomous commission to cut its annual budget by $6 million and reduce its tax levy by $430,000, putting the levy at the same $12.15 million used in the previous year. The freeholders approved the new levy April 22.

The changes followed weeks of pressure from Democrat Amy Mallet for stepped-up scrutiny of the library budget. The freeholder board's finance director, Craig Marshall, found that the commission was stockpiling excessive surplus funds — with enough money in its rainy-day fund to run operations for nearly an additional year. Marshall also uncovered budgeting for unneeded items and overbudgeting for other purchases...."

You can read more of the story >>> Here

As one commenter, voiceoflogic, wrote in response to the article:

How was this not scrutinized before? Are we to believe not all budgets were loooked into before we started jacking taxes and laying people off and jeopardizing thier livihoods. Wonder what other pots of gold will be found under the next overturned rock.

I happen to agree, in this time of economic turmoil every stone should be overturned to find what lays beneath for possible savings.

I applaud Freeholder Mallet for taking the initiative and applying the same standard to the County Library Commission as Governor Christie took on local school boards across the state by making them use their budget surpluses to hold down tax levies.

With the further scrutinising of the budgets from all Monmouth County governmental departments, what other excesses will be found that could potentially save tax payers of this county money?

Chris Christie and Breast Cancer: Taking Exception To "An Exception"

There is no exception when it comes to saving a life. I know this from my own personal experience, having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 19 without a history in my family. After viewing a recent interview, I took exception with a response indicating that a cancer diagnosis in a young person is simply "an exception," a characterization made by Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie at a forum conducted at Rider University. It is hard to believe that Mr. Christie can be so out-of-touch with the reality of health care in our communities.

It was shocking to hear the interview with a woman who was seeking the candidate's opinion on mandatory insurance coverage for mammograms, which is a tool in diagnosing breast cancer. Mr. Christie was dismissive in saying that the cancer surgery the woman had when she was in her 20s was "an exception." These situations are not exceptions as Mr. Christie may think, and the numbers prove it.

Medical professionals and patients agree that preventive care needs to be a priority as it saves lives and money in the longterm. Patients need confidence that their insurance providers will not find exclusions for coverage such as preexisting conditions, family history or some arbitrary notion that the patient is young and therefore considered "an exception." We cannot undermine the need for access to screening techniques, whether mammograms, sonograms or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, which are all available with today's technology.

It is frightening to learn that Christie would give insurance companies free rein to drop coverage for critical procedures like mammograms. The woman from Rider is not "an exception" and a mandate is not an "extravagant benefit" for "young, single consumers," as Mr. Christie stated on his Web site as of September 27, 2009.

Governor Jon Corzine, along with Senator Loretta Weinberg and other legislators have fought hard to assure that insurance companies provide adequate coverage for women's health needs. In 1991, mandates were established for women over 40 years of age to be covered for annual mammograms. It has only been five years since insurance company mandates have been expanded to cover mammograms for women under 40 if they have a family history.

According to the National Cancer Institute 2005 and 2006 Fact Book, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 15-54. For 25 years we have recognized this month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month which promotes awareness, education and empowerment.

This movement has been stressing "early detection saves lives". Many children are being raised by their mothers as a result of early detection. We cannot turn back the clock and allow any wiggle room for insurance companies to drop coverage for mammograms or other vital diagnostic tests. We need to continue advocating for staying healthy. It is the pillar of a strong society. Our future depends upon it. To that, there can be no exception.

Amy A. Mallet
Monmouth County Freeholder

Breast Cancer Survivors Tell Christie: We Are Not An Exception

If Chris Christie still feels it is OK to have "mandate-free" health insurance policies written in this state, than he needs to take a look at this latest video From the Corzine campaign.

In this video, Breast Cancer survivors speak out to tell Mr. Christie that mammograms and other forms of preventative procedures are not only necessary but essential in early detection and the prevention of not just Breast Cancer but all forms of cancer.



Two people that I would like to point out to anyone who watches this video are Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet, who as a 19 year old was the victim of Breast Cancer and my wife Debbie, who completed her treatments of chemotherapy and radiatoin in June of this year.

Without mammograms and other proceedures being mandated as part of insurance policies here in the New Jersey, who's to say that Amy Mallet, my wife, or others in their situation would be here today to tell us their stories.

Two River Democratic Clubs Join Together For A Memorable Time

Yesterday, I was honor to attend a gathering of Democratic Clubs that encompass the Two River area along the Navisink and Shrewsbury Rivers.

Members from the Fair Haven,Little Silver,Rumson,Shrewsbury and Shrewbury Boro. Democratic Clubs along with representatives from Red Bank and Middletown, joined together for the very first time at a meet and greet fundraiser for Fair Haven candidates Matthew Cohen and Margo Tikijian.

In all nearly 100 people attended the event hosted by Cory and John Hoffman of Fair Haven, in their house that overlooks the Navisink River, and none left disappointed.

Those who were in attendance were highly energized after hearing from guest speakers Freeholders Amy Mallet and Barbara McMorrow, Freeholder Candidate Sean F. Byrnes, NJ State Assembly Candidate for District 12 Michelle Roth and US Congressman Rush Holt. It was truly one of the most dynamic events I have ever attended.

For a taste of what the night was like, below is the video I recorded of Freeholder Candidate Sean Byrnes addressing the crowd:

Middletown's Sean Byrnes to Seek Freeholder Position in Monmouth County

I have a stunning announcement to make, one quite frankly that has taken me by surprise but am very glad to hear.

Middletown Democratic Committeeman, Sean Byrnes, will be seeking the Democratic Party line to run for Monmouth County Freeholder at the party's convention on Saturday.  

Sean Byrnes will be seeking to fill the seat left open by Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow,when she announced that she would not be seeking re-election this year due to health concerns. 

From what I have been told, the other notable in the race is former 11th District Assembly
candidate Mike Beeson, Ocean Township.

Whomever wins the support of the Monmouth County Democrats on Saturday, wether it is Sean Byrnes, Mike Beeson or some other as yet unnamed person, they will be facing off against last years  Republican challanger John Curley, who lost narrowly to Freeholder Amy Mallet.

 

McMorrow To Seek Re-Election In Monmouth

Making front page headlines today in the Asbury Park Press is the story that Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow, will be seeking re-election to her seat on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Why is this such big news? Did people think that she wouldn't seek re-election?

Anyone who has followed the Monmouth County Democrats like I have, have known for months now that McMorrow would seek re-election. It really should not have come as a surprise to anyone.

I believe that naysayers and rightwing republican bloggers out there have been floating the idea that she wouldn't, trying to drive a wedge between McMorrow and her fellow Democrats. 

Even though Director McMorrow has been drifting closer to the right then the rest of her Democratic colleagues, seemingly causing a rift between them, nothing could be further from the truth. 

I can tell you first hand, having been to many Democratic function over the past months, Barbara McMorrow is extremely well liked and admired by Democrats in Monmouth County.

Democrats know that McMorrow will be facing a tough re-election.  Joe Oxley the Monmouth County GOP Chairman, will stop at nothing to defeat McMorrow and regain the control of the County.  Democrats in Monmouth understand this and are willing to give her some leeway in her decision making even if it seems to ruffle a few feathers.

The perceived split between McMorrow and fellow democratic colleagues John D'Amico and Amy Mallet, is not all that other want you to believe it is. This is politics and everyone understands it.  She has to take a stand against COAH and she comes across as a fiscal conservative if she is against the creation of a Solicitor General position for the county.

Barbara McMorrow is a smart and shrewd woman, who is doing what she can to be re-elected and  I think that she will be re-elected by a huge margine come November. 

Freeholder-Elect Amy Mallet: Goal Is To Have Transparency , Oversight, and Full Accountability

The following is a letter to Monmouth County residents from Freeholder-elect Amy Mallet:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the voters of Monmouth County who put their confidence in my candidacy for Freeholder. We saw a record number of voters turning out to make their voices heard. This dramatic election changed the course of history in our nation and in our county. As a result of this election, we now have a Democratic majority on the Board of Chosen Freeholders for the first time in 23 years. I appreciate the time that all voters gave in expressing their concerns about the future direction of our county. Please rest assured that I take all suggestions and concerns very seriously.

These are challenging times requiring restraint and thoughtful strategy to achieve our goals. Each of our 53 municipalities has unique challenges, and I look forward to working with all of them. Our community has so much potential if we structure our priorities in a sensible way. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, bringing fresh, new ideas to the table. Our diverse county has so much to offer residents from beachfronts to river banks and from urban areas to farmland. We will be discussing ideas which will set our county apart as a model for counties across the state and country.

Under the new democratic leadership, we are going to have serious conversations about environmental plans which will improve our quality of life and provide new job opportunities while saving taxpayer dollars. Our budget will be reviewed department by department as we seek sustainable cost-saving measures. Contracts will be reviewed carefully to be sure we are fiscally responsible to the people of Monmouth County. My goal is to have our county government functioning with transparency and oversight, with full accountability to the taxpayers.

It is my hope that new voters who came out this year to make history will be inspired to continue making their voices heard in all future elections. As I travel throughout the county, it is with a humble gratitude for the opportunity to serve you, and an unwavering commitment to enhance the lives of the people of Monmouth County.

Amy A. Mallet
Monmouth County
Freeholder-Elect

Mallett Turns Monmouth Blue

Congratulations go out to Monmouth County Freeholder-Elect Amy Mallet, her drawn out victory over Republican John Curley has turned Monmouth County blue after 23 years of republican domination.

Reports of her triumph started to be reported around 6 pm last night, PolitickerNJ was the first to report followed by Save the Jersey Blog and Blue Jersey.

What does this mean to me? It means that Democrats will clean house down in Freehold and the last remnants of ol' Club Monmouth will be gone and I invision Barbara McMorrow being named as Director of the Freeholders come January.

Here is a little excerpt from what Bob Jorden of the Asbury Park Press has to say this morning:

"...The change in power means a handful of well-paying county government jobs will be up for grabs, as well as control over which firms land contracts and work assignments under the county's $470 million annual budget...."

Stay tuned in the coming days, I'm sure that there will be a lot of crying, as well as cheering being done all around Monmouth County.  

Glenn Mason says "Thank You"

What an experience it has been for me to have had the privilege to run in the campaign for Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Immediate thanks go out to all the volunteers who gave their time and support to help Amy and myself through this election. There is no campaign without the tireless efforts of volunteers, and I cannot thank them enough. Thanks to my family and life long friends for their unconditional support, and to true and loyal friends like Lenny, Erv and Joe Caliendo who were always there to help organize, motivate and lend their experience. Their support was unwavering and constant. I would also like to thank the Municipal Chairs, the Mayors and Committee people and the Staff at the County office as well as all the Union’s which supported us.

If it were not for Chairman Scudiery, I would never have been given this tremendous opportunity and chance to serve the people of Monmouth County.

It was a pleasure and an honor to make a run for the Office of Freeholder, and without the support from both Freeholders John DAmico and Barbara McMorrow, I am not sure I would have learned as much or made it as far as I did.

A special thanks goes to my running mate and future Freeholder, Amy Mallet. The people of this County are going to see what a brilliant and compassionate person she is as she serves this County. Once again I appreciate the chance I was given, and my only regret is I will not be able to serve the people of this county.

I believe that in future elections, with people like Chairman Scudiery and Chairman Oxley (republican), you will see better run elections with less “DIRTY” politics and more attention on the issues.

In closing, all should know that if it was not for Mike Mangan, County Director who stepped up and tirelessly took over my campaign, I would not have been able to finish as well as I did. I thank you all. I will always remember what a life changing, memorable experience this has been, and the many great friends I have met along the way.

Respectfully,
Glenn Mason

Deputy AG on the ground in Monmouth as workers resume inventory

From Politicker NJ this morning comes the following news, it seems that the County Clerk, Clair French needed to stop the counting of ballets last night until she could get a representative from the Attorney Generals office to oversee the goings on. It must be getting hot and heavy down in Freehold:

A Deputy Attorney General is in the Monmouth County Clerk's Office observing as Superintendent of Elections workers at 5 p.m. again began tallying provisional ballots.

Democratic Party representative Michael Mangan and Republican Party representative Rosanne Scotti also stand in the room with the attorney general's office representative and the elections workers.

"All of the material they inventory will go to the Board of Elections where two Republicans and two Democrats will count all of the provisional ballots," said County Clerk Claire French.

The process could take up to two weeks, according to French.

At stake is who wins the Monmouth County Freeholders' election, Democrat Amy Mallet or Republican John Curley. As of right now, Mallet leads Curley by 18 votes with the provisional ballots yet to be counted.

If Mallet hangs on and wins, control of the Monmouth County Freeholder Board would flip to the Democrats.

Food Pantry of Keyport Fundraiser a Great Success Thanks to Mallet & Mason

I attended the food drive / fundraiser for the Keyport Food Pantry last night in Hazlet. The event, which was held at the Shore Cafe was a great success thanks in large part to the efforts of Amy Mallet and Glenn Mason, the two Democratic Candidates for Monmouth County Freeholder.

It was a lively event attended by over 50 people, all of which donated non-perishable food stuffs or contributed monetarily to the Food Pantry,  a SUV full of food was gathered and more than $1500 was collected. 

I recorded the following interview with Mallet & Mason,it's a little to hear Amy and Glenn over all of the people but it give you an idea how lively and crowded the Shore Cafe was.

Also, a special shout out goes to Leonard Inzerillo who helped to put the event together. It was a special event that tried to give a little back to the community as we head into the holiday season with tough economic times ahead for some of us.