Manalapan and Freehold Township GOP Chairs Raise Ethical Questions About Golden Serving As Sheriff and GOP County Chairman Simultaniously
Golden welcomes Ethics Debate with Bennett
Freehold Township GOP Chairman Anthony Graziano
The municipal Republican Chairmen of Manalapan and Freehold have raise ethical questions about the prospect of Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden serving as both Sheriff an d as the Chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.
In a letter addressed to County Committee Members and sent to MMM, Steve McEnery, Chair of the Manalapan GOP and Anthony Graziano, Chair of the Freehold Township Republicans, raise questions about Golden’s ability to comply with New Jersey’s Local Governments Ethics Law, NJ 40A:9-22.5, unless he has received an advisory opinion from the Local Finance Board in the Department of Community Affairs. The letter can be viewed here.
The chairmen challenged Golden to release the advisory opinion demonstrating the permissibility of him serving in both offices or explain to County Committee Members why he did not engage in simple due diligence if he did not receive such an opinion.
The chairmen asserted that Golden could find himself in the following ethical binds, which they say are by no means exhaustive:
He will be engaging in activity that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of
his duties in the public interest as Sheriff. As Sheriff, he will be working for the very
same people who need his political support, endorsement, and funding, should he be
elected County Chair.
He may, when he goes before the Board of Chosen Freeholders, appear to use or attempt
to use his official position as County Chair to secure unwarranted privileges or
advantages for himself or others.
In dealing with the Board of Chosen Freeholders, he will be acting in his official capacity
in instances where he has a direct or indirect personal involvement that might reasonably
be expected to impair his judgment in the exercise of his official duties.
As County Chair, his independence of judgment in the exercise of his official duties as
Sheriff could reasonably be expected to be prejudiced.
If there is a ballot or election issue, Sheriff Golden will not be able to intervene as
Chairman without running afoul of the ethics law’s prohibition on a person representing
any person or party other than the local government with any cause or proceeding.
When or if Sheriff Golden runs for Sheriff again, he will be the very person funding his
campaign with Republican Party money.
Finally, there is a prohibition on local government officers or employees soliciting any
gift, favor, loan, political contribution, service, promise of future employment, or other thing of
value given or offered based on an understanding that the thing offered was for the purpose of
influencing him, directly or indirectly, in the discharge of his official duties.
Manalapan GOP Chairman Steve McEnery
Graziano and McEnery said that that two County Sheriffs have previously served and County Party Chairmen “with disastrous results.” Both were indicted and one is currently in prison.
This very situation has occurred before, with disastrous results. Twice in the past,
County Sheriffs have also served as County Committee Chairmen. Both were indicted, and one
is currently in jail. The danger of wearing these two hats is clear. Accordingly, until Sheriff
Golden produces at minimum, an advisory opinion from the State, we have little confidence that
if elected, Sheriff Golden will be permitted to serve out his term as Chairman. As previously
stated, even if he does have an opinion, we expect that his actions, and those of the Freeholders,
will be continuously scrutinized and challenged.
Golden was nonplussed by news of the letter, which he asserted was orchestrated by his opponent, current Chairman John O. Bennett.
More from my site
Golden Cites NJ Court Case Affirming Sheriffs’ Right To Hold Party Office In Rebuke Of McEnery and Graziano
Manalapan Elected Officials Stand With Bennett
Bennett Doubles Down On Ethics Questions, Challenges Golden To A Debate
Bennett: McEnery-Graziano Letter Raises Legitimate Issue. Says Golden Went Negative
Holmdel Mayor and Town Leaders Supporting Shaun Golden for GOP Chair
Leading NJ Legal Scholar: Golden has no conflict serving as Chairman and Sheriff- Bennett’s Undetered By Golden’s Endorsements
Golden: Passion and pride, not personal gain, will grow the Monmouth GOP
Golden Wins!
Keyport Republicans Endorse Golden For Chairman
Bennett promised a clean campaign.
Sounds like Bennett’s pot is calling the kettle black.
Finally, officials looking out for the Party’s best interest. This is NOT an ethics debate. It’s a threshold question of whether a Sheriff, a constitutional officer, can be a Republican County Chairman at the same time he serves as Sheriff. This is why Oxley waited until he was no longer Sheriff to become Chairman. How can the Sheriff serve the Board of County Freeholders, while at the same time that Board is beholden to him for campaign contributions and political support. It puts both Shaun and the Freeholders at risk. Why would Shaun want to put the Freeholders under that kind of scrutiny? And for that matter, why would he want to risk his own political career? This just makes no sense. Who’s behind this?
I will answer my own question . . . whomever Shaun picks as his Vice-Chair most likely. Hmmm. Now who could THAT be? Shaun’s response to this issue is extremely disappointing and misguided. John Bennett has never served as a constitutional officer, Shaun is, and that is what creates the problem for him. Plain and simple. This issue needs to be addressed not deflected.
Obviously John Bennett has his issues. But talk about trying to muddy the waters. Shaun’s right that there is precedent that deals with this issue, but he didn’t mention any of it. EIR was right – JB was never a constitutional officer, Shaun is. The last two times a Sheriff was a County Chairmen, there were indictments and jail time. There’s your REAL precedent. Let’s not make it three. Maybe some of his backers already knew he couldn’t serve, and counted on being able to step in when he had to bow out. Who’s conniving enough to take out JB and Shaun in one swoop, and not care whether it damages the party as long as his or her interests are advanced? At this point, anyone voting for Shaun is really voting for his replacement.
Obviously John Bennett has his issues. But talk about trying to muddy the waters. Shaun’s right that there is precedent that deals with this issue, but he didn’t mention any of it. EIR was right – JB was never a constitutional officer, Shaun is. The last two times a Sheriff was a County Chairmen, there were indictments and in one case jail time. There’s your REAL precedent. Let’s not make it three. Maybe some of his backers already knew he couldn’t serve, and counted on being able to step in when he had to bow out. Who’s conniving enough to take out JB and Shaun in one swoop, and not care whether it damages the party as long as his or her interests are advanced? At this point, anyone voting for Shaun is really voting for his replacement.
An absolute blatant ‘crime’ right under the nose of the very people in Monmouth County neighborhoods that really do care. Wrong, selfish, senseless, suspicious, and despicable. Many thanks to Chairmen McEnery and Graziano for making us aware of very important details that, should have been, and, MUST BE, addressed … which should be no problem if “honest and clean campaign” is sincere, and without ulterior motives. Very disappointed and sickened that two good men have been thrust into another back-biting, underhanded turmoil, created by ‘self-incriminating, greedy, (not so incognito) worms slithering along with a smile, biding time to strike. Those who do the work, and those who we serve, DO NOT DESERVE THIS. County Committee members, under the present Chair we have been inclusive, recognized, consulted, and constantly informed … for further progress, it makes sense to identify, correct, and rebuild any weak areas and reaffirm the healthy path we have been traveling under Bennett. Sorry, neither Bennett nor Golden are perfect. I resent the very small group of ‘wannabees’ that are responsible for pitting good friends against good friends, and at the expense of the reputation of the Party, expectation of all Monmouth County Residents, and/or future voters! Evil, underhanded, and most unproductive!
Hope Bennett’s daughter didn’t write this bogus letter for Bennett’s last two supporters on county dime. Oh, but I thought they were giving up all their legal work. Wasn’t that Bennett’s entire campaign against Hanlon two years ago. You can’t change some people I guess.
I would like to thank Mr. McEnery and Graziano for calling into question this ethical lapse on Golden’s part. Gee, doesn’t Golden have other stinky ethical issues pending in that stinkpot called the sheriff’s office??? Does anyone want the organization ran like he runs the sheriff’s department–filled with cronyisim, corruption and yes, even hiring Bennett’s daughter–UNBELIEVABLE!!! What will this man do next???
The real question is why is Golden doing this? What motivates him to do this? Something is certainly up! If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. The county is already politically controlled by Republicans. Yes, there are a few spots that never will be Republican–but what do you expect when you have a large county with what–55 or so municipalities???
But surely I digress. Golden’s motives are suspect. And his little cheerleader, Serena, is right at his side, encouraging him to go for it.
Since when running for office is suspect? How come Bennett’s motives are not suspect? After all he already has a job too… or two… or ten, who knows anymore? Isn’t his motive for running trying to get jobs with the few towns in the county where he doesn’t have one yet? Or otherwise enlighten us, why is he running again?
Running for office is suspect when there’s a clear conflict in doing so. Not so sure it’s Serena behind the scenes, but somebody’s pushing him into a tough spot (guesses? Who else besides Shaun could want the job?), and the Sheriff’s lazy analysis of the situation raises a lot of issues for the party. Why court trouble; it’s very selfish. And what part of the letter is bogus? That the Sheriff is a constitutional officer subject to the Ethics Law? That if he were to be elected Chairman he and the Board would be compromised on any Board approved appropriation of the Sheriff’s Department? That he would directly control the purse strings of the Freeholders’ campaigns. How can the Freeholders vote on anything pertaining to his Department? It’s a real mess and Shaun clearly didn’t think it through. It has been tried before. But both times ended badly. Let’s not make it three. And I really hope this isn’t something somebody behind him dreamt up so that Shaun ends up being a patsy here. If they did, they sure left a gaping hole in their ham handed plot; maybe they need to watch a bit more House of Cards. So sad.
My comment is NOT written on behalf of either GOLDEN or BENNETT …. ! There are no secrets in this world … although it is very obvious where the ‘stench of politics’ has been breeding … WE WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHO. Ugly and spineless … the tune of ‘SLITHER’. Unbelievable … Unspeakable … Unacceptable … actions, of the few, ‘slobbering for power’, deliberately, deceitfully, and knowingly, tarnishing the golden shine of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Badge. Sick example for our children and young adults. Shameful. Enough of who did and who didn’t, there is ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE or NEED to make a change in the leadership of our present Chair and Vice Chair.
I heard it was an alien abduction that caused S.Golden to challenge J.Bennet for the chair.
Obviously somebody’s trying to cover it up.
Maybe if all the zealots here who are so good at slinging mud, watch a “House of Cards” marathon tonight, they’ll get to the bottom of it. …for the “good of The Party”, ya’ know.
The smear campaign starts. You have to ask yourself why is someone so desperate to hold on to a job that pays nothing that they would resort to this?
“Zealots slinging mud???”
OMG do you even look at what you write?
“People in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones.”
I for one am sick of what I am seeing from the Bennett camp and it is reminding me of Lillian Burry like tactics 2 years ago.
Mr. Chairman, I call on you to tell your own supporters to stop this crap.
It’s just another reason why people get to the point of despising politics.
Now the ad hominem attacks start; that always means the issue is credible and that the attacker can’t defend it on the facts. Area 51, if this a non-issue, the Sheriff should be able to get an advisory opinion from the state fairly easily and put it to rest. Don’t hold your breath, though. Mlaffey, your assignment is to write a paragraph here explaining how raising a valid legal issue that goes to the heart of his ability to hold both positions, is a smear campaign. I won’t hold my breath. Shaun seems like a nice enough guy, and may be able to do a great job. So let him go put the issue to rest by getting that opinion. Pretty simple, and no need to involve little green men although I’m sure that comment was fun to write. Let’s let the state weigh in on the issue before we all got jetting off to mars.
FINALLY! This is a warning people. If Golden Boy wins, bet the Democrats make it an issue of it in the general….. how a Part Boss doles out jobs and has conflicts while being Sherriff. Not good. Bennett has done one thing well as chairman…. that is getting Republicans elected! Golden Boy is not ready for prime time and is all about himself. Sharp guy but not his time…. and it is not about waiting your turn. He is just not ready. He wants to be in Congress and challenge Pallone. But he did not have the courage to take him on now when the party needed him. Instead he wants to challenge the party chair and be Golden Boy. This guy shows up 5 years ago out of nowhere and now he’s the savior? What a mess…. thanks Golden Boy.
@ @welcome,
?? I have no idea what you’re talking about.
And yes. There are quite a few zealots on these pages slinging mud Shaun Golden’s way.
Sorry if the term “zealot” offends you so much. Or perhaps it was “Area 51” that precipitated your reaction.
Regardless, I calls ’em like I sees ’em.
@” John Bennett has never served as a constitutional officer.”
If acting governor isn’t constitutional, what else could it be? Not to mention president of the State Senate.
@Sancho Panza – “Gov. Bennett, Constitutional Officer”….really? 3 days, I mean come on with the governor stuff. I’ve been in NFL locker rooms before, but I don’t go around calling myself a quarterback.
People have to realize that this is a new era in communication, outreach, number-crunching, etc….the time of yard signs and stickers is well behind all parties. Not saying I support anyone, but gotta get up with the times pplz.
-Stay Funky
@Tone Loc
Maybe in your world “never” means whatever. It also seems that in your world “president of the State Senate” doesn’t mean anything at all. How is it going out there in outer space?
@sancho panza; I stand corrected. But guess what he WASN’T at the same time he held a constitutional office? Republican County Chairman, which is why what the Sheriff is doing is so problematic. Golden supporters are clearly upset by it being raised, but he needs to deal with it or it’s going to haunt him and the party. Why give the Dems such low hanging fruit to exploit?
If we listened to McEnery, Andrew Lucas and Ryan Green would be Freeholders.
@Sanco Panza…..Watch out we got a bad ass over here! Now let’s not be demeaning there little buddy.
And to your question of whether being “Senate President” means anything to me, quite simply the answer is no. My position since this began is that it is an open process and if someone wants to run, then let it be so.
Just because you are affronted that someone may challenge the J.B. does not automatically make it wrong. Like I’ve said from the beginning, I’m not posting who I support in a public forum, but I will point out hypocrisy.
– Stay Funky
“?? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Ah, Welcome? Did you forget you wrote this?
“I heard it was an alien abduction that caused S.Golden to challenge J.Bennet for the chair.”
Followed by this:
“Maybe if all the zealots here who are so good at slinging mud”
To wit I responded:
““People in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones.”
OBVIOUSLY, you are too blinded by your own zeal to realize you threw some mud as well.
Bennett has done one thing well as chairman…. Yea, line his own pockets with a job and legal work all while receiving a FAT pension!
I am more than a little concerned that Shaun is “nonplussed” over this issue. I actually thought he was resigning as Sheriff if he was elected. Where are the Freholders on this? This could breath new life into the APP. This is not about Shaun or Bennett, and the personal attacks should stop. Both have served the Part well. We need an answer to this.
I vote Golden. He’s bringing back the free breakfasts.
Has Edith gone off her meds again?
Someone ask Mr. Bennett how many pensions he has tacked on from all of his part time work. I bet the number is more than a hand full.
@can anyone address the issue? got it right. Regardless of which candidate you favor, this issue isn’t going away, and it needs to be answered. If Golden can’t hold the office, he shouldn’t be running. And if he got in this race without doing his homework on the issue, which seems to be polarizing people within the party, then it doesn’t speak well for his leadership abilities. What other balls will he drop at critical times? If nothing else, bennett is a known quantity and love him or hate him, he’s raised funds and candidates have won races.
Good find on Google:
The Asbury Park Press’ investigations of municipal officials found that politically powerful attorneys had almost free reign to double bill and over bill the agencies they were supposed to serve. An investigation of the township attorney, who is the top elected Republican in the state, found that he double billed the city by more than $8,000. He initially said the double-billing was not his responsibility, but later admitted it was an accident. The Press found that the project in which the double-billing occurred was part of an unfinished seven-year effort to rewrite the city’s ordinances. The senator charged more than $100,000 for the incomplete work, although similar projects cost a quarter as much and can take months, not years, to finish. Close examination of these billing records for the ordinance re-writing project showed his bills included rewrites of ordinances that don’t exist, and repeated rewrites of ordinances that were little more than a paragraph or two long.
A spreadsheet and some sharp eyes helped Todd B. Bates and Paul D’Ambrosio of the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press nail a story about a New Jersey State Senate co-president who double-billed a township for work he did on a legal project. John O. Bennett III also serves as Marlboro’s full-time attorney but his contract permits him to bill the township for special projects. A CPA that reviewed the records for the Press said the double billing didn’t appear accidental: “My professional opinion is that it is a low probability that it is a mistake.”
Why do we continue to attack both Bennett and Golden; this issue just simply needs to be addressed. Both Bennett and Golden have served this Party well. Can Golden serve as both Chairman and Sheriff at the same time? Is there an advisory opinion? And if not, can either side get one? There is too much at stake for Shaun to just deflect. They had to have seen the conflict between his position as serving as Sheriff under the Board of Freeholders and being in charge of raising funds for them at the same time.
@county work wins the internet. Congrats on being able to use google; use it to find out the whole story and report back. Also, research NJ ethics laws and see if you can add something to this thread on the real issue. Deflecting doesn’t make it any less real.
Thanks “County Work”. Brought this blog to an all time new low. Pathetic.
Thinking about it more, @ county work inadvertently raises an excellent point. We all saw what APP did to bennett on something that was a non-issue; can you imagine what they’ll do to Golden on something that IS valid?
Question Remains said, “Brought this blog to an all time new low. Pathetic.”
@Question Remains,
Why attack Art’s blog now? He’s done a fine job reporting on the issues. YOU certainly seem to be making good use of his lowly blog.
Like that, who needs enemies?
The Dems are loving this
Just SMH
Golden will be a fair and successful
Chairman, Guaranteed
This unnecessary bantering is Childish
Time for Some To Grow Up
I would hope Chairman Bennett would not
engage in this Shawn is a class act
and I would expect JB to follow and both sides to stick to issues
The Party needs Positive change not a mud fight dont let either side lower themselves to some of the Democrats level We are above that We have 2 good men running i just happen to favor Shawn Golden
Give him a chance now to bring new vigor
It’s all good
How can the Administrator of a town also be the municipal attorney – Conflict 1
http://www.moremonmouthmusings.net/2013/11/21/bennett-supreme-court-decision-does-not-apply-to-his-oceanport-job/#more-19761
How is Bennett “retired” and still employed by a municipality? Conflict 2
http://php.app.com/retireNJ/details.php?recordID=163962
Bennett claims to have raised $700K, but YTD for 2013 is $371,474. and there is only $3350 left in the account? Where did all the money go?
http://www.elec.state.nj.us/ELECReport/DetailFilingReport.aspx?ID=335981&Page=2&Name=monmouth&CommitteeType=O&Location=1300
@”With Republican Friends,” and all others who perceive this letter to be mudslinging. This is not about Bennett or Golden, it is about the Party. The letter raises serious questions about the long term health of the Party. The fact remains that the Sheriff may not be able to serve out his full term as Chairman. THEN who would take over? I wonder. Even Oxley waited until he was no longer Sheriff to to run for County Party Chair. There’s a reason for that. I don’t question the Sheriff’s ethics, neither did these two local Chairmen. But I, like them, question whether it is ETHICAL for him to serve in two positions(one official, one political) simultaneously. Heaven forbid Mr. Golden can’t serve out or be restricted in his duties due to his official job, we would be a rudderless ship! Is that what we want all the while Vin Gopal is on the other side of the fence building the troops? Put Bennett v. Golden out of your ego-inflated heads for just a second, and realize this is a legitimate, greater discussion about the good of the Party.
[…] to a letter McEnery and Graziano released to MMM this morning in which the chairmen raised ethical questions about the prospect of Golden serving as Sheriff and […]
If Bennent didnt have ethic or conflict issues wearing all his hats why should Golden
Give an examples of your concerns that would be an ethics or conflict issue
Ok Shire Reeve challenge accepted. Let’s break this down then.
Statement 1
“He will be engaging in activity that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest as Sheriff. As Sheriff, he will be working for the very same people who need his political support, endorsement, and funding, should he be elected County Chair.”
I will assume the “people” being referred to are the Freeholders. He does not work for them he is an independent Constitutional Officer. Yes they pass funding for his office. Is the argument the Freeholders will give the Sheriff a bigger budget because he controls the purse strings? Highly doubtful since the Freeholders have a history of raising there own money when they need to.
Statement 2
This starts with the words “he may” . Just those two words solve the problem. There would be no actual conflict in less he actually did. Having the ability to commit an ethics violation is not the same as doing it. Someone “may” rob a bank but it is not a crime until they do.
Statement 3
Right off the bat they have it wrong because what the ethics law is talking about when they say personal involvement means the elected official himself not the office he holds. By way of example a councilman voting on a zone change that would allow development on property next to him is an example of effecting personally. So an elected official can lobby , advocate or vote on something that effects their office as opposed to them personally.
Statement 3
Really? An example would be helpful? Taking this claim to its logical conclusion would mean no elected official could hold any party office.
Statement 4
This ethics rule refers to representation such as when a lawyer represents a client. Example a councilman who is a lawyer can not represent someone who wants to sue the town he is an elected official in. The Chairman hires lawyers to represent the party in election disputes he does not do it himself.
Statement 5
Yes that is true and if he were to take all the county party resources and put them in the Sheriff’s race I suspect the County Committee would elect a new Chairman. Not an ethics issue but a question of whether the party trusts him or not.
Statement 6
Yes bribery is illegal whether someone is the County Chairman or not. What’s the point?
These arguments are all specious to the point where I repeat my question. Why are people so desperate to get elected to a nonpaying position OR to keep a particular person in the office that they would resort to attempt to smear through innuendo and obfuscate the issues?
If your concern was truly “for the good of the Party” your “concerns” would have been made privately not via a newsBlog. Who are you kidding? Most of the readers and Party were not born yesterday
@mlaffey, you get an F on the assignment. You were asked to explain how pointing out a valid concern is a smear campaign. You didn’t do that. Instead, what you did is advance arguments as to why the ethics law doesn’t apply to this situation. You did exactly what Shaun should be doing if he cared about putting the issue to rest. A for effort, though.
Manalapan Chairman McEnry repeatedly supported the candidacy of Former Manalapan Mayor ( who allegedly defrauded a client and submitted falsified tax returns) Andrew Lucas as a Freeholder candidate as well as Manalapan municipal offices. That is one heck of a track record!
[…] County Republican Chairman John Bennett said that the letter released to MMM by the municipal party chairmen of Manalapan and Freehold Township raising ethical concerns about Shaun Golden serving as both County Sheriff and the GOP County […]
@ Shire Reeve. My analysis shows it is not actually a valid concern. Further the letter is carefully crafted by wiley politicians to smear the Sheriff with innuendo. I demand a new grade. 🙂
[…] County Republican Chairman John Bennett said that the letter released to MMM by the municipal party chairmen of Manalapan and Freehold Township raising ethical concerns about Shaun Golden serving as both County Sheriff and the GOP County […]