For Immediate Release:
September 16th, 20016
HAZLET – With a Veteran heavy ticket, the Monmouth County Democrats’ campaign received a big boost from VoteVets.org, a political action committee, endorsed the U.S. Army veterans Colonel Jeff Cantor, Captain Vincent Solomeno, and Former Captain Sue Fulton.
“Having veterans represented at all levels of government could not be more critical than it is now,” said Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org. “We believe that our newest veterans have a special voice and experience that is badly needed at every level of government.”
A Colonel in the U.S. Army, a member of the volunteer EMS, and a Marlboro town councilman, Cantor, is running for Monmouth County Sheriff. As an intelligence officer, he has commanded troops in combat, ensuring all of their safe return, as well as set up a police academy in Iraq to train their new police force. “My wife and I are raising our two daughters here in Monmouth County and there is nothing more important to us than making sure they are protected and safe,” said Cantor, “This election has nothing to do with politics, it has everything to do with making sure Monmouth County families are afforded that same peace of mind.”
A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 31, is running for Monmouth County Surrogate. A platoon trainer, he is tasked this month with mentoring future officers at phase one of the Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School. Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik attested to Solomeno’s commitment to his community, “As an Army officer, Vincent deployed overseas to protect our country and he did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. He will make an excellent Monmouth County Surrogate who protects not only veterans but all residents.”
A graduate of West Point Class of 1980, the first class to accept women, a Presidential Appointee and Chair of the prestigious West Point Board of Visitors, and Former Captain in the U.S. Army, Fulton is one of the candidates for Monmouth County Freeholder. In response to her endorsement, Fulton said “The Army taught me that there is no leadership without selfless service. My mission now is to serve the people of Monmouth County, to the best of my ability. I’m so grateful to VoteVets for supporting me, and Jeff and Vincent." Fulton was a leading force for LGBTQ rights, working to end the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” ban and advocating for transgender service in the military. Recently, Fulton was invited to attend the Commander in Chief Forum that aired on NBC, where she was able to question the republican nominee on the status of undocumented immigrants in the military. The following day, Fulton’s OP-ED “Trump’s Military Cluelessness” was published in the New York Times.
Started in 2006 and backed by over 400,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans' care, and every day issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
For more information on the Monmouth County ticket, please visit MonmouthStrong.com
Showing posts with label Vincent Solomeno. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vincent Solomeno. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Solomeno Endorsed by VoteVets in Run for Surrogate
For Immediate Release
7/13/16
HAZLET -- Despite Vincent Solomeno being away for annual active duty training with the Army National Guard, his campaign for Monmouth County Surrogate today received a big boost: VoteVets.org, a political action committee, endorsed the U.S. Army veteran and selected him for its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program.
“Having veterans represented at all levels of government could not be more critical than it is now,” said Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org. “We believe that veterans have a special voice and experience that is badly needed at every level of government.”
A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 31, is currently conducting his annual active duty training. A platoon trainer, he is tasked this month with mentoring future officers at phase one of the Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School.
While Solomeno is away, Monmouth County Democrats have launched the #OnDutyForVinny campaign, which encourages supporters to volunteer extra time and post to social media.
“As Vincent hangs up his candidate’s suit and steps into a captain’s uniform, he needs our help,” said Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal. “During this time, he will not be able to raise money, knock on doors, walk in parades or do other political activities. In his absence, we are ramping up operations by doubling the number of phone banks and door knocking.”
Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik accepted the VoteVets.org endorsement on Solomeno’s behalf. He said, “As an Army officer, Vincent deployed overseas to protect our country and he did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I know I speak for him when I say ‘thank you’ to VoteVets. He will make an excellent Monmouth County Surrogate who protects not only veterans but all residents.”
An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy.
Started in 2006 and backed by over 400,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans' care, and every day issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
For more information on the endorsement and #OnDutyForVinny, please visit www.vincentsolomeno.com/OnDutyForVinny.
7/13/16
Army Veteran Selected for PAC’s Prestigious Emerging Leaders Program
HAZLET -- Despite Vincent Solomeno being away for annual active duty training with the Army National Guard, his campaign for Monmouth County Surrogate today received a big boost: VoteVets.org, a political action committee, endorsed the U.S. Army veteran and selected him for its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program.“Having veterans represented at all levels of government could not be more critical than it is now,” said Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org. “We believe that veterans have a special voice and experience that is badly needed at every level of government.”
A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 31, is currently conducting his annual active duty training. A platoon trainer, he is tasked this month with mentoring future officers at phase one of the Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School.
While Solomeno is away, Monmouth County Democrats have launched the #OnDutyForVinny campaign, which encourages supporters to volunteer extra time and post to social media.
“As Vincent hangs up his candidate’s suit and steps into a captain’s uniform, he needs our help,” said Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal. “During this time, he will not be able to raise money, knock on doors, walk in parades or do other political activities. In his absence, we are ramping up operations by doubling the number of phone banks and door knocking.”
Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik accepted the VoteVets.org endorsement on Solomeno’s behalf. He said, “As an Army officer, Vincent deployed overseas to protect our country and he did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I know I speak for him when I say ‘thank you’ to VoteVets. He will make an excellent Monmouth County Surrogate who protects not only veterans but all residents.”
An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy.
Started in 2006 and backed by over 400,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans' care, and every day issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
For more information on the endorsement and #OnDutyForVinny, please visit www.vincentsolomeno.com/OnDutyForVinny.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Monmouth County Dem Candidates Report Over 255K Raised at Primary Campaign Deadline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016
Monmouth County Dem Team also reports over $205k Cash On Hand with almost 82% of total contributions from supporters for $300 or less
HAZLET – The Monmouth County Democratic campaigns for Sheriff, Surrogate and Freeholder today announced that they raised over $255,000 ($255,210.18) in their Primary campaign fundraising report. The team continues to boast overwhelming grassroots support throughout the county with almost 82% of the over 800 total contributions from supporters reported coming in at $300 or less, almost 63% of total contributions reported at $200 or less and almost 47% of the total contributions reported coming in for $100 or less.
The overwhelming financial support being offered from people throughout Monmouth County represents just some of the feedback for candidate for Sheriff Jeff Cantor, candidate for Surrogate Vincent Solomeno, and candidates for Freeholder Matt Doherty and Sue Fulton have received as they travel throughout the county highlighting the team’s record of service in our communities. They have also heard the frustrations of middle class taxpayers on the receiving end of skyrocketing taxes as a result of Republican County Chairman and incumbent Sheriff Shaun Golden’s control over every office in county government.
Most recently, people across the county have expressed their frustration with Chairman Golden and the Monmouth County Republican Committee’s refusal to condemn presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump for his claim weeks ago that women seeking abortions should be “punished”, his continued defense of Trump University amidst allegations of fraud and “elder abuse”, his repeated calls for a wall to be built to discriminate against people and his efforts to advance the conspiracy theory that President Obama supports ISIS.
While Sheriff Golden and his running mates have remained silent when asked by reporters to endorse or denounce Trump’s candidacy for fear of alienating those they were elected to represent, their support for his candidacy was made clear when they began advertising Trump signs on the Monmouth County Republican Committee website ((http://monmouthrepublican.org/lawnsign/).
Monmouth County Sheriff candidate Jeff Cantor currently holds the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. 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. He has also been a Councilman in Marlboro since 2004 where he has served as the Council liaison to the Police Department and as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Council. Cantor is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician for the Township of Marlboro and has been a member of the Marlboro First Aid Squad since 1996, volunteering countless hours to protect and serve the population of Marlboro as well as the surrounding towns.
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.
Raised in Union Beach, Monmouth County Surrogate candidate Vincent Solomeno graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) at Sandy Hook before earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton. He is the recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship and J. William Fulbright Scholarship. As a Fulbright Scholar, he received a Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam for his study of the roots of radicalization in Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Netherlands.
Solomeno is a Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard. He has served as an Engineer platoon leader, logistics manager, rear detachment commander, and public affairs officer. From 2010 - 2014, Solomeno was the full time Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. He returned in September 2015 from an overseas deployment to Central and Southwest Asia. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he was called to active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy, working in devastated communities across Monmouth County.
Freeholder candidate Matt Doherty has been Mayor of Belmar since January, 2011 and previously served as a Councilman in town starting in 2007. Since becoming Mayor, Belmar residents have yet to see a tax increase on the municipal level under Mayor Doherty’s leadership.
Doherty also led Belmar through the devastating impacts of Superstorm Sandy, working to provide food, shelter and clothing to affected residents in the aftermath of the storm. He then began immediately working with local, county, state and federal officials to rebuild and improve Belmar. Doherty worked tirelessly to successfully fulfill his pledge to get every family in town impacted by Superstorm Sandy back in their homes. A Financial Advisor, Mayor Doherty graduated Georgetown University with a BA in government in 1995 and went on to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University in 1997. He and his wife, Maggie, are raising their three children, Hannah, Claire and Séamus, in Belmar.
Freeholder candidate Sue Fulton is a 1980 West Point graduate, part of the first class to admit women. She served as a platoon leader and company commander in Germany, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Army Captain. She helped found several military organizations, including Knights Out and OutServe, working on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Since leaving the military, she has managed businesses at companies like Procter & Gamble and Merck for over 20 years. In 2011, President Obama appointed Fulton to the West Point Board of Visitors, and she currently serves as Chair.
Sue and her partner of 20 years, Penny Gnesin, currently live in Asbury Park and were the first same-sex couple to marry at the Cadet Chapel at West Point.
July 8, 2016
Monmouth County Dem Team also reports over $205k Cash On Hand with almost 82% of total contributions from supporters for $300 or less
HAZLET – The Monmouth County Democratic campaigns for Sheriff, Surrogate and Freeholder today announced that they raised over $255,000 ($255,210.18) in their Primary campaign fundraising report. The team continues to boast overwhelming grassroots support throughout the county with almost 82% of the over 800 total contributions from supporters reported coming in at $300 or less, almost 63% of total contributions reported at $200 or less and almost 47% of the total contributions reported coming in for $100 or less.
The overwhelming financial support being offered from people throughout Monmouth County represents just some of the feedback for candidate for Sheriff Jeff Cantor, candidate for Surrogate Vincent Solomeno, and candidates for Freeholder Matt Doherty and Sue Fulton have received as they travel throughout the county highlighting the team’s record of service in our communities. They have also heard the frustrations of middle class taxpayers on the receiving end of skyrocketing taxes as a result of Republican County Chairman and incumbent Sheriff Shaun Golden’s control over every office in county government.
Most recently, people across the county have expressed their frustration with Chairman Golden and the Monmouth County Republican Committee’s refusal to condemn presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump for his claim weeks ago that women seeking abortions should be “punished”, his continued defense of Trump University amidst allegations of fraud and “elder abuse”, his repeated calls for a wall to be built to discriminate against people and his efforts to advance the conspiracy theory that President Obama supports ISIS.
While Sheriff Golden and his running mates have remained silent when asked by reporters to endorse or denounce Trump’s candidacy for fear of alienating those they were elected to represent, their support for his candidacy was made clear when they began advertising Trump signs on the Monmouth County Republican Committee website ((http://monmouthrepublican.org/lawnsign/).
Monmouth County Sheriff candidate Jeff Cantor currently holds the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. 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. He has also been a Councilman in Marlboro since 2004 where he has served as the Council liaison to the Police Department and as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Council. Cantor is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician for the Township of Marlboro and has been a member of the Marlboro First Aid Squad since 1996, volunteering countless hours to protect and serve the population of Marlboro as well as the surrounding towns.
 |
| (Solomeno, Doherty, Cantor and Fulton) |
Raised in Union Beach, Monmouth County Surrogate candidate Vincent Solomeno graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) at Sandy Hook before earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton. He is the recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship and J. William Fulbright Scholarship. As a Fulbright Scholar, he received a Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam for his study of the roots of radicalization in Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Netherlands.
Solomeno is a Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard. He has served as an Engineer platoon leader, logistics manager, rear detachment commander, and public affairs officer. From 2010 - 2014, Solomeno was the full time Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. He returned in September 2015 from an overseas deployment to Central and Southwest Asia. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he was called to active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy, working in devastated communities across Monmouth County.
Freeholder candidate Matt Doherty has been Mayor of Belmar since January, 2011 and previously served as a Councilman in town starting in 2007. Since becoming Mayor, Belmar residents have yet to see a tax increase on the municipal level under Mayor Doherty’s leadership.
Doherty also led Belmar through the devastating impacts of Superstorm Sandy, working to provide food, shelter and clothing to affected residents in the aftermath of the storm. He then began immediately working with local, county, state and federal officials to rebuild and improve Belmar. Doherty worked tirelessly to successfully fulfill his pledge to get every family in town impacted by Superstorm Sandy back in their homes. A Financial Advisor, Mayor Doherty graduated Georgetown University with a BA in government in 1995 and went on to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University in 1997. He and his wife, Maggie, are raising their three children, Hannah, Claire and Séamus, in Belmar.
Freeholder candidate Sue Fulton is a 1980 West Point graduate, part of the first class to admit women. She served as a platoon leader and company commander in Germany, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Army Captain. She helped found several military organizations, including Knights Out and OutServe, working on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Since leaving the military, she has managed businesses at companies like Procter & Gamble and Merck for over 20 years. In 2011, President Obama appointed Fulton to the West Point Board of Visitors, and she currently serves as Chair.
Sue and her partner of 20 years, Penny Gnesin, currently live in Asbury Park and were the first same-sex couple to marry at the Cadet Chapel at West Point.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Over 300 Supporters Help Kick Off 2016 Monmouth County Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2016
BELMAR MAYOR DOHERTY AND FARMINGDALE COUNCILMEMBER IMMEN KICKOFF FREEHOLDER CAMPAIGNS
BELMAR – Surrounded by over 300 supporters, including New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, State Democratic Party Chairman John Currie, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Union County Sheriff and Former State Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, Former US Senator Bob Torricelli, State Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (Hudson), State Assemblyman Jamel Holley (Union), State Assemblyman Daniel Benson (Mercer), State Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (Monmouth), State Assemblyman Joann Downey (Monmouth), Former State Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell (Hudson), Middlesex County Freeholder Ken Armwood, Essex County Freeholder Leonard Luciano and mayors and councilmembers across Central New Jersey including Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik, Atlantic Highlands Mayor Randi LeGrice, Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long, Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan, Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Matawan Mayor Joe Altomonte, Neptune Mayor Kevin McMillan, Spring Lake Mayor Jennifer Naughton, Lake Como Mayor Brian Wilton, Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna, Brick Township Mayor John Ducey and dozens of other councilmembers and mayors from across Central New Jersey, Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty and former Farmingdale Council member Carly Immen formally kicked off their campaign for the two seats that will be contested on Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders this November. Doherty and Immen join Sheriff candidate Jeff Cantor and Surrogate candidate Vincent Solomeno as prospective candidates on the Democratic slate for Countywide office in November.
“We believe in putting people before politics,” said Mayor Doherty. “It’s that belief that has allowed us to attract great new businesses to Belmar that put people to work, help keep taxes down and provide tremendous destinations for residents and visitors alike. We have had no tax increases in Belmar in five years, while just last year the County freeholders raised property taxes millions of dollars on middle class families. That is simply unacceptable.”
“I’m not running for a cause or to protest something,” continued Doherty. “I’m running because it is becoming almost impossible to raise a family in Monmouth County with the skyrocketing county taxes. I’m running to help attract more businesses countywide and I’m running because more needs to be done to get Sandy impacted families countywide back in their homes. And our team is running to win.”
Matt Doherty has been Mayor of Belmar since January, 2011 and previously served as a Councilman in town starting in 2007. Since becoming Mayor, Belmar residents have yet to see a tax increase on the municipal level. He is a Financial Advisor for Metlife Premier client group of New Jersey in Wall. Mayor Doherty graduated Georgetown University with a BA in government in 1995 and went on to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University in 1997. He and his wife, Maggie, are raising their three children, Hannah, Claire and Séamus, in Belmar.
“County property taxes have continued to rise because Monmouth County government has had no checks and balances of late,” said Carly Immen. “Instead of running government the same way you would run your household or business finances the Freeholder Board has become a solely partisan operation consistently draining money from the pockets of middle class taxpayers. My husband and I are raising our family here in Monmouth County and there is nothing more important to me than ensuring that we get things back on track and moving in the right direction, and I believe that public service is the most direct route towards achieving that goal.”
Carly Immen proudly served as a member of the Farmingdale Borough Council and successfully formed a self-supporting Recreation Commission to bring community events and programs to residents of all ages, a first for Farmingdale. She also led the effort to build and install a Little Free Library in town and is currently active in the Farmingdale School PTA and as a Farmingdale Recreation Commission volunteer. She is the Marketing Director for the Atlantic Club and Milagro Spa and holds a Bachelors degree in English with a minor in political science. Carly is married to Kevin Immen, Director of Sales for United States Beverage and a United States Marine, and together they are raising three daughters, Charlotte, Mary Cate and Erin.
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. He has also been a Councilman in Marlboro since 2004 where he has served as the Council liaison to the Police Department and as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Council. Cantor is also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician for the Township of Marlboro and has been a member of the Marlboro First Aid Squad since 1996, volunteering countless hours to protect and serve the population of Marlboro as well as the surrounding towns.
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.
Vincent Solomeno announced his candidacy for Monmouth County Surrogate last week. Raised in Union Beach, Solomeno graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) at Sandy Hook before earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton. He is the recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship and J. William Fulbright Scholarship. As a Fulbright Scholar, he received a Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam for his study of the roots of radicalization in Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Netherlands.
Solomeno is a Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard. He has served as an Engineer platoon leader, logistics manager, rear detachment commander, and public affairs officer. From 2010 - 2014, Solomeno was the full time Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. He returned in September 2015 from an overseas deployment to Central and Southwest Asia. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he was called to active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy, working in devastated communities across Monmouth County.
In addition to his service on the Hazlet Land Use Board, Vincent Solomeno is a trustee of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, a member of the American Legion, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), the Netherland-America Foundation, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Keyport.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Army Veteran Solomeno to Run for Monmouth County Surrogate
For Immediate Release:
January 5, 2016
HAZLET - Vincent Solomeno announced this morning that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Monmouth County Surrogate in 2016.
A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 30, cited a determination to improve services and advocate for county residents as his reason for entering the race.
“As an Army officer, I deployed overseas to provide safety and security for our allies. In the National Guard, I did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I’ve served our country, I’ve served our state, and now with your help I would like to serve our county,” said Solomeno in a video published to YouTube. “I will be an innovative, active Surrogate. I will champion the cause of the most vulnerable among us: those who grieve, those who are unable to care for themselves, and children in need of a home.”
“Vincent’s record of community and military service is impressive,” said Hazlet Township Committeewoman Barbara Ronchetti, reelected last November for a second term. “Monmouth County is ready for a new generation of leaders. I have no doubt that in addition to providing services to residents in the difficult days following the passing of a loved one, he will protect residents by exposing those who prey on older people and the defenseless young.”
An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy.
Former Superior Court Judge and Monmouth County Freeholder John D’Amico said, “Vincent Solomeno has the intelligence, energy, and empathy needed to invigorate the Surrogate's Office with progressive programs. He will challenge the status quo and give his all in the service of taxpayers.”
The Surrogate is a constitutional officer who is elected to the position every five years. The principal duties of the Surrogate include the probating of wills, appointing of estate administrators, supervising guardians, and administering adoptions.
For more information and to watch the announcement video in full, please visit www.MonmouthStrong.com.
January 5, 2016
HAZLET - Vincent Solomeno announced this morning that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Monmouth County Surrogate in 2016.A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 30, cited a determination to improve services and advocate for county residents as his reason for entering the race.
“As an Army officer, I deployed overseas to provide safety and security for our allies. In the National Guard, I did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I’ve served our country, I’ve served our state, and now with your help I would like to serve our county,” said Solomeno in a video published to YouTube. “I will be an innovative, active Surrogate. I will champion the cause of the most vulnerable among us: those who grieve, those who are unable to care for themselves, and children in need of a home.”
“Vincent’s record of community and military service is impressive,” said Hazlet Township Committeewoman Barbara Ronchetti, reelected last November for a second term. “Monmouth County is ready for a new generation of leaders. I have no doubt that in addition to providing services to residents in the difficult days following the passing of a loved one, he will protect residents by exposing those who prey on older people and the defenseless young.”
An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy.Former Superior Court Judge and Monmouth County Freeholder John D’Amico said, “Vincent Solomeno has the intelligence, energy, and empathy needed to invigorate the Surrogate's Office with progressive programs. He will challenge the status quo and give his all in the service of taxpayers.”
The Surrogate is a constitutional officer who is elected to the position every five years. The principal duties of the Surrogate include the probating of wills, appointing of estate administrators, supervising guardians, and administering adoptions.
For more information and to watch the announcement video in full, please visit www.MonmouthStrong.com.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Vincent Solomeno for Freeholder: My statement from the hearing: Why I oppose the Monmouth County budget.
Vincent Solomeno, Candidate For Monmouth County Freeholder, attended the March 9th 2010 public hearing on the proposed Monmouth County Budget at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library in Shrewsbury.
Solomeno read into the record the following statement as to why he opposes the proposed budget that the Freeholders have offer-up. The statement can also be found at his facebook site:
Good evening, my name is Vincent Solomeno, and I’m a property taxpayer from Hazlet. I first want to thank the professional staff for the time spent preparing this budget proposal.
That said, members of the Board, it is my hope that you reject this proposal. Monmouth County residents simply can’t afford this level of spending. It’s time to go back to the drawing board and produce a budget with significant savings.
This is no normal time—the worst economy in generations. Clearly, the status quo is unacceptable.
Yet as I read the budget proposal, a number of areas go unaddressed—areas that if cut can result in significant savings for taxpayers. Unfortunately, this budget is more of the same, when that’s exactly what we can’t afford.
This budget does not consider the potential savings of combining the purchasing departments of the county and the parks system—a redundancy which costs taxpayers money.
This budget does not consider the savings to be had by combining our two motor pools.
And at a time when many private-sector workers are seeing their salaries cut or their wages frozen, this budget does not consider the savings to be had by freezing the salaries of non-contractual personnel earning over $100,000.
The important question I hear from my neighbors is, “Why?”
Why doesn’t this budget end the practice of awarding no-bid contracts for professional services? Doing so would increase efficiency, guarantee transparency, and save taxpayer dollars.
Why doesn’t this budget honor the intent of the cap law? Monmouth County families know it’s time to do more with less. You wouldn’t hand a credit card to a shopaholic, so why, in these economic times, should the county spend significantly above the cap, when all it means for residents is higher taxes and more spending?
I understand the enormity of the task before you. We may disagree over specific priorities, but we all know—just like Monmouth county families know—that in this time of stagnating wages, layoffs, and rising property taxes, it’s time to make tough choices.
This budget doesn’t make those tough choices. We don’t live in a fairy tale, and we can’t wish our problems away. We simply can’t afford tax increases year after year. Enough is enough.
Monmouth County families are struggling. We owe it to them to cut this bloated budget and bring them real property tax relief. I hope you have the courage to do just that.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Solomeno, Monmouth County and Pancakes, Mmm... Perfect Together
Vincent Solomeno, Democratic Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder, sent me the following note attacked with a video from a pancake breakfast fundraiser that he held last Saturday. He asked me if I would post it here on the blog and I was more than happy to do so.
I am optimistic about the future of Monmouth County and it will be my honor to be part of an effort that translates that optimism into real results. Right now, I'm working to build momentum for a grassroots campaign that involves citizens of all stripes. I am grateful to the Hazlet and Union Beach Democratic Clubs, who threw a pancake breakfast for me last Saturday. We turned out 80 people, raised some money, and demonstrated that politics does not have to be consigned to the professionals. I hope to hold similar events in other parts of Monmouth in the weeks ahead, but in the mean time, I encourage you to check out a video of my remarks recorded by a supporter and posted to YouTube.
Kind regards,
Vincent Solomeno
P.S. If you haven't already, please check out my web site -
www.vincentsolomeno.com
You can also connect with Vincent Solomeno by becoming a Facebook Fan or by following him on Twitter
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Solomeno For Freeholder: Why I'm Running
I'm running for Monmouth County Freeholder because I believe we can do better. Since November, I've visited with elected officials, party leaders, and private citizens to hear their ideas and concerns. They share my belief that we can regain our Democratic majority on the Freeholder Board through an energetic grassroots campaign that focuses on stabilizing property taxes, preserving open space, and aggressively pursuing opportunities to bring new businesses - and the jobs that come with them - to Monmouth County.
My decision to pursue the nomination is the first step on a road that I hope will lead to victory come November. I intend to build a campaign of people, not power brokers. A campaign defined not by sound bites, but substantive ideas. And perhaps most importantly, this will not be a campaign defined by one person, but by citizens joined together in the pursuit of a common goal: a green, safe, and affordable Monmouth County.
As I've said to those I've spoken with in the short time since taking this decision, I have no illusion about the many challenges that lay ahead. Yet the obstacles I face in the coming campaign are nothing compared to those facing Monmouth County and our fifty-three municipalities. Quite literally, we can no longer afford the status quo. Indeed, I firmly believe that the present circumstances requires Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike to set aside petty differences, roll up our sleeves, and work together for the public good.
I am optimistic about the future of Monmouth County and it will be my honor to run alongside Judge John D'Amico in an effort that translates that optimism into real results. In the mean time, I encourage you to keep me on my toes. Let me know what I'm doing right, what you think I can be doing better, and please be sure to visit my web site at www.vincentsolomeno.com.
Thank you.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Solomeno First To Throw His Hat In The Ring For Dems In Monmouth County Freeholders Race
Hazlet Resident Vincent Solomeno, has become the first Monmouth County Democrat to officiall announce his intentions to seek the Party nod to run along side Freeholder John D'Amico.
Solomeno made his announcement with a brief posting on his Facebook page that simply stated "Vincent Solomeno is running for monmouth county freeholder." this afternoon after posting earlier in the week that he had a big announcement to make on Friday.
Last night he posted the following Youtube video:
For those of you who do not know Vincent, he was named one of “50 Rising Stars in New Jersey Politics” by Politicker New Jersey, he has managed or worked on local, state, and national campaigns. He has worked for Congressman Frank Pallone.
In 2006, Vincent became a Truman Scholar and in 2007, he was selected as a J. William Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands where he earned a Master of Arts in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. A Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG), he is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve and is training to become a Combat Engineer.
So when Vincent has an opinion about something it's worth listening to, he is not some loony liberal trying to push mandates down our throats. He is an extremely intelligent and distinguished member of the Monmouth County community who's thoughts and ideas should be considered.
Solomeno made his announcement with a brief posting on his Facebook page that simply stated "Vincent Solomeno is running for monmouth county freeholder." this afternoon after posting earlier in the week that he had a big announcement to make on Friday.
Last night he posted the following Youtube video:
For those of you who do not know Vincent, he was named one of “50 Rising Stars in New Jersey Politics” by Politicker New Jersey, he has managed or worked on local, state, and national campaigns. He has worked for Congressman Frank Pallone.
In 2006, Vincent became a Truman Scholar and in 2007, he was selected as a J. William Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands where he earned a Master of Arts in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. A Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG), he is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve and is training to become a Combat Engineer.
So when Vincent has an opinion about something it's worth listening to, he is not some loony liberal trying to push mandates down our throats. He is an extremely intelligent and distinguished member of the Monmouth County community who's thoughts and ideas should be considered.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Letter: Brady and Tinker Kick-Off "Silly Season" In Hazlet
A laundry list of banal generalizations, in it they promise to "lower taxes, less government spending, stop overdevelopment, preserve open space, promote green technologies," and "promote government reform." All important issues. So important in fact, that Mayor Lavan and Deputy Mayor Belasco have been working on them since their election three years ago.
After three years of Republican mismanagement that saw double-digit increases in municipal taxes, Lavan and Belasco stabilized them. As a result, homeowners saw the lowest municipal tax growth in a decade.
And while Republicans talk about reducing spending, Lavan and Belasco have actually done it. By aggressively pursuing shared service agreements, they saved over $200,000 through the elimination of the Hazlet Sewerage Authority, outsourced the health department to Monmouth County for a savings of $260,000 annually, and reduced salary and utility costs by shortening the township workweek from five to four days.
Lavan and Belasco also put the brakes on overdevelopment. They took builders to court to protect quality of life and secured record amounts of grant funding to preserve what little is left of Hazlet's precious open space. They did more than simply list these issues in a flier around election time, they delivered results and improved the life of our community.
Unfortunately, Mr. Tinker and Mr. Brady are recycled candidates touting a recycled way of doing business. When Republicans last controlled the Township Committee, they raised taxes, increased spending, sold open space, recklessly borrowed millions for the new town hall, and most damning, found themselves ensnared in an FBI investigation that led to the arrest of their hand-picked mayor on charges of corruption.
Every time they run for an office, Tinker and Brady say anything to get elected. It comes as no surprise that their recent flier is consistent with that track record. Which is a shame, because a lot remains to be done for the people of Hazlet. Mayor Kevin Lavan and Deputy Mayor Joe Belasco are working to stabilize property taxes, preserve open space, and improve recreation for young people. They deserve three more years to complete what they set out to do.
Vincent Solomeno
Hazlet
Friday, February 13, 2009
Democrats on right side of affordable housing debate; Republicans only offer re-establishment of regional contribution agreements
For those of you who do not know Vincent, he was named one of “50 Rising Stars in New Jersey Politics” by Politicker New Jersey, he has managed or worked on local, state, and national campaigns. He has worked for Congressman Frank Pallone.
In 2006, Vincent became a Truman Scholar and in 2007, he was selected as a J. William Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands where he earned a Master of Arts in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. A Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG), he is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve and is training to become a Combat Engineer.
So when Vincent has an opinion about something it's worth listening to, he is not some loony liberal trying to push mandates down our throats. He is an extremely intelligent and distinguished member of the Monmouth County community who's thoughts and ideas should be considered:
Democrats must be able to transform the statewide mandate of the Council on Affordable Housing or else be ready for Republican criticism that may diminish Democratic support among suburban voters.
Ex-Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan recently traveled to Freehold to stump for votes in his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. He likened his campaign to the American Revolution and compared Gov. Jon Corzine and the Democratic majorities in the Legislature to the tyrants of Europe and Asia.
The 21st-century Gen. George Washington continued with a blistering attack on COAH and promised that, when the general election is through, the self-financed Corzine will be living in one of the program's 40,000 units.
November's election not only will determine who occupies the front office in the state Capitol. It will test New Jersey Republicans' ability to make inroads into the Democrats' legislative majority. Unless Democrats present a compelling narrative for affordable housing, COAH and its cumbersome regulations have the potential to unite the feuding factions of the GOP and erase Democratic gains in suburban battlegrounds.
From a policy perspective, the need for affordable housing remains as clear today as it was when the Supreme Court ordered state action on the issue in 1984. According to the U.S. Census, New Jerseyans pay 30 percent or more of their income for housing, the fourth highest percentage in the nation. However, members of both parties recognize that in its current form, COAH often results in continued overdevelopment and an increase in property taxes.
Democrats in the Legislature have indicated their willingness to take on the challenge. As chairman of the Economic Growth Committee, Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, introduced legislation (S2485) that directs the state Housing Commission to consider the impact of its assessments on local property taxes.
Lesniak also wants COAH to provide housing not only to low-income individuals, but to those in the middle class who do not qualify for the program but nonetheless struggle with New Jersey's high cost of living. Called "work-force" housing, the change would allow individuals such as secretaries, firefighters and recent college graduates to qualify for assistance.
In his recent State of the State address, Corzine indicated his willingness to "allow for maximum flexibility and ample time for collaborative review" of affordable housing plans. The governor and Democrats will face the challenge of articulating the need for COAH regulations to a public leery of continued development.
Affordable housing may be an issue that Republicans can use to their advantage, but thus far they have offered no policy alternative other than S2292, a bill re-establishing the regional contribution agreements that circumvented the intent of affordable housing in the first place. Their advocacy of a return to the failed status quo does nothing to address the real problem.
New Jersey is a "blue" state and New Jersey Republicans are a party rife with ideological divisions. Criticism of COAH presents them with an issue they can rally around. However, they will need more than rhetoric and stale policy to convince voters they can solve the problem. Democrats have demonstrated a willingness to ease the burden on municipalities without abandoning a commitment to providing affordable housing. The remaining challenge for lawmakers is to deliver reform.
Democrats must be able to transform the statewide mandate of the Council on Affordable Housing or else be ready for Republican criticism that may diminish Democratic support among suburban voters.
Ex-Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan recently traveled to Freehold to stump for votes in his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. He likened his campaign to the American Revolution and compared Gov. Jon Corzine and the Democratic majorities in the Legislature to the tyrants of Europe and Asia.
The 21st-century Gen. George Washington continued with a blistering attack on COAH and promised that, when the general election is through, the self-financed Corzine will be living in one of the program's 40,000 units.
November's election not only will determine who occupies the front office in the state Capitol. It will test New Jersey Republicans' ability to make inroads into the Democrats' legislative majority. Unless Democrats present a compelling narrative for affordable housing, COAH and its cumbersome regulations have the potential to unite the feuding factions of the GOP and erase Democratic gains in suburban battlegrounds.
From a policy perspective, the need for affordable housing remains as clear today as it was when the Supreme Court ordered state action on the issue in 1984. According to the U.S. Census, New Jerseyans pay 30 percent or more of their income for housing, the fourth highest percentage in the nation. However, members of both parties recognize that in its current form, COAH often results in continued overdevelopment and an increase in property taxes.
Democrats in the Legislature have indicated their willingness to take on the challenge. As chairman of the Economic Growth Committee, Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, introduced legislation (S2485) that directs the state Housing Commission to consider the impact of its assessments on local property taxes.
Lesniak also wants COAH to provide housing not only to low-income individuals, but to those in the middle class who do not qualify for the program but nonetheless struggle with New Jersey's high cost of living. Called "work-force" housing, the change would allow individuals such as secretaries, firefighters and recent college graduates to qualify for assistance.
In his recent State of the State address, Corzine indicated his willingness to "allow for maximum flexibility and ample time for collaborative review" of affordable housing plans. The governor and Democrats will face the challenge of articulating the need for COAH regulations to a public leery of continued development.
Affordable housing may be an issue that Republicans can use to their advantage, but thus far they have offered no policy alternative other than S2292, a bill re-establishing the regional contribution agreements that circumvented the intent of affordable housing in the first place. Their advocacy of a return to the failed status quo does nothing to address the real problem.
New Jersey is a "blue" state and New Jersey Republicans are a party rife with ideological divisions. Criticism of COAH presents them with an issue they can rally around. However, they will need more than rhetoric and stale policy to convince voters they can solve the problem. Democrats have demonstrated a willingness to ease the burden on municipalities without abandoning a commitment to providing affordable housing. The remaining challenge for lawmakers is to deliver reform.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thank you, Congressman Pallone
Vincent has been a very active and successful Democrat in the bayshore for almost a decade. He got his start in 2000 when he managed his first successful Democratic campaign for Borough Council in Union Beach in over a decade. He then served as Executive Director of the Union Beach Democrats. Afterwards he moving to Hazlet to manage several campaigns, including Mayor Kevin Lavan and Committeeman Jim DiNardo's.
Vincent penned the following piece in support of Congressman Frank Pallone's efforts to ensure that uninsured children have access to quality healthcare:
"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped."
- Vice President Hubert Humphrey
In Washington, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6) is fighting for the progressive agenda. On Wednesday the House of Representatives approved, by a 289 to 139 margin, a record expansion of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Capitol Hill watchers expect the bill to easily pass through the Senate and reach President-Elect Obama's desk within days of his inauguration. In addition to reauthorizing a program that presently covers seven million children, yesterday's expansion will provide four million more with access to basic medical care.
This victory has been long coming. Both Democrats and a minority of Republicans attempted in the previous Congress to pass similar legislation, only to have their work vetoed twice by a President more interested in providing corporate welfare than extending health care to the children of the poor.
New Jerseyans should take pride in the knowledge that Congressman Pallone has led the House's efforts toward passage of the expansion. As Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, he helped draft the legislation and went to the floor to shepherd it through to final approval. Pallone's work is consistent with his progressive principles and a reflection of his long held commitment to providing access to health care for all Americans.
The child health bill provides $32 billion to insure a total of 11 million children whose families lack the resources to pay for preventative and emergency care. Moreover, the legislation removes the discriminatory clause that excluded the children of legal immigrants - first generation Americans - from coverage.
With the economy entering recession, more than 2.6 million people lost their job last year alone - the highest one year loss since 1945. Experts estimate that for every 1 percent increase in the number of jobless, 1.5 million people lose health coverage. 47 million Americans are uninsured. Sadly, 9 million are children, and according to a recent report, 273,000 of them are from New Jersey.
Thanks in large measure to the work of Congressman Pallone, our country is one step closer to reducing that number. In doing so, we guarantee access to basic medical care for those who need it the most: our children.
Vincent Solomeno
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