Statement from Colonel Jeff Cantor, Candidate for Monmouth County Sheriff on Seaside Park explosion

For Immediate Release:
September 17th, 2016


"Today’s cowardly attack in Seaside Park, New Jersey is yet another alarming example of the dangers facing our community. As a Colonel in the United States Army, I am especially aggrieved to know that the target of this attack was the location of a charity event being held to raise money to assist wounded Marines and their families.

With my 30 years of experience in protecting civilians and my experience as a combat veteran, anti-terrorism expert, and federally certified Disaster Management professional, I know what a safe and secure community should look like. That’s why I’ve laid out a plan to help bolster the resources needed to protect against these types of attacks, including creating an anti-terrorism force that will identify and reinforce soft targets such as boardwalks, malls, and other densely populated areas. New Jersey’s residents need to know that their leaders are focused on their safety, first and foremost."

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.​

Pallone Makes It Official, "I'm In"

TRENTON, NJ— At an afternoon press conference in Trenton, NJ, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his candidacy to fill the remaining term of the late Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. Immediately prior to hand-delivering nominating petitions signed by supporters to New Jersey’s Division of Elections, Pallone told a crowd of gathered reporters of his intention to run for the open Senate seat.


“Today, I am proud to stand here and declare my candidacy to be the next U.S. Senator from the great state of New Jersey,” said Pallone. “Although I wish this opportunity to run for the seat vacated as a result of the loss of my good friend and colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg, had never risen, I am committed to carrying on his legacy of fighting for New Jersey.”

Pallone, a 13 term Congressman from Long Branch spoke of his long record of advocating for all New Jerseyans and laid out some of his top priorities.

“I’m in,” said Pallone. “I’m in this race because families in our state and throughout the nation are hurting, and I believe that we have a responsibility to roll up our sleeves, get to work and help. Throughout my career, I have been committed to public service and to the idea that, no matter the size of the challenge, I would continue to stand and fight and work toward sensible solutions.”

A progressive Democrat with a long record of achieving results for New Jersey, Pallone cited his core Democratic principles and belief that government can be a tool for good as influencing his decision to run for the Senate.

“I’m running for the Senate because we need to focus on getting people back to work, rebuilding our economy, making sure our environment is clean and safe for future generations, and standing up for equality for all Americans,” said Pallone. “We can’t wait for solutions. We need results from proven leaders now, which is why I am entering this race and why I am asking for the support of New Jerseyans to be our state’s next Senator. I have never backed down from a fight, regardless of how long the odds are, and I will continue to stand firm in my fight for New Jersey.”

Booker Announces His Intention To Run For Senate, Not Governor

In this video posted earlier today, Newark Mayor Cory Booker has announced that he will be finishing the work that he has started in Newark, which means that he will not be making a run for Governor next year against Chris Christie.

Instead, Booker has announced that he will run for the U.S Senate in 2014. Booker intends to run for the Senate seat currently held by Senator Frank Lautenberg.



This comes as no surprise to me, Cory Booker running for U.S. Senate has been one of the worst kept secret for the past couple of years. It has long been rumored that Booker has had his eye on Lautenberg's Senate seat, now it's official.