Howell elected officials endorse Golden for Monmouth GOP Chairman
Sheriff Shaun Golden
Sheriff Shaun Golden now has the public support of the Republican elected official in Monmouth County two largest municipalities in his bid to replace John Bennett as Monmouth County’s Republican Chairman.
Howell Mayor William Grotto, Deputy Mayor Robert Nicastro and Council Members Bob Walsh, Pauline Smith and Edward Guz, the entire governing body, all signed an Open Letter endorsing Golden and urging County Committee members to elect the Sheriff as Chairman at the GOP convention on June 10.
Howell Township’s Mayor William Gotto and Council are writing to you with our utmost support and endorsement of Shaun Golden for Chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization. We have worked closely with Shaun over the past five years as Sheriff of Monmouth County and he has demonstrated the devotion, resiliency and confidence the Republican Party needs to overcome the challenges we face ahead.
Shaun has proven his ability to work collaboratively with others, exploring new and innovative ways to communicate with citizens and voters. He is an effective, efficient
leader who can inspire, unify and motivate everyone around him.Shaun is a proven fundraiser, having raised substantial dollars for campaigns as well as charitable organizations throughout the County and State. Shaun has provided
tremendous leadership to our municipalities, not only working with towns to rebuild after super storm Sandy, but also helping municipal candidates with financial and personal support. Shaun leads with the dedication, charisma and conviction that can move the masses.Shaun’s proven leadership and vision will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our organization. We, the Monmouth Republicans, have much to be proud of and thankful for. We owe a great deal of gratitude to so many past Chairman and Chairwoman who have led this organization on a mission we all believe in and each time
leaving it a little better for the next Chairperson. We believe the best days still lie ahead and look forward to a greater future under Shaun’s leadership.
We ask each of you to please join us in voting for Shaun Golden on Tuesday, June 10th for Monmouth County Republican Chairmen an and make the Monmouth County Republican Party even better than it is today.
“I am honored and humbled by the support of my hometown’s elected officials,” Golden said in a phone interview with MMM, “Chairs and county committee members from throughout the county, large towns and small, are responding positively to my vision for our Party and for even better government for Monmouth County and its municipalities. The response makes me very excited for our future.”
Walsh told MMM that the letter was sent to us for publication and would be mailed to the Republican Municipal Chairs next week. A copy of the letter can be viewed here.
Last week the members of the Middletown Township Committee released a similar endorsement of Golden.
John Benentt
The Howell GOP is in the midst of a primary battle. Municipal Chairman and State Committeeman John Costigan is running a slate of candidates against incumbents Nicastro, Walsh and Smith. The incumbents were awarded the coveted “Party Line” by Bennett, over Costigan’s objection. Yet, the incumbents are supporting Golden over Bennett.
Bennett was elected Chairman in 2012, by 3 votes out of 615 cast, with the unanimous endorsement of the Western Monmouth GOP Chairmen and the presumed solid support of the County Committee members of the Western Monmouth towns. The Western Monmouth Chairs met earlier this week and declined to endorse either Bennett or Golden. Manalapan Chairman Steve McEnery said that the Chairs did not endorse a candidate because they were caught off guard by Golden’s candidacy and had not had an opportunity to meet with their respective committees prior to issuing an endorsement. Bennett appeared before the Chairs to seek their endorsement. Golden did not appear, citing a previously scheduled presentation in Middletown on the heroin addiction plague and his Office’s efforts in combating drug abuse.
Today’s endorsement out of Howell, combined with the lack of an endorsement from the Western Monmouth Chairs, is a set back for Bennett in his quest to retain the Chairmanship.
Bennett and Costigan were not available for comment when we called.
More from my site
Golden Cites NJ Court Case Affirming Sheriffs’ Right To Hold Party Office In Rebuke Of McEnery and Graziano
Manalapan and Freehold Township GOP Chairs Raise Ethical Questions About Golden Serving As Sheriff and GOP County Chairman Simultaniously
Bennett’s Undetered By Golden’s Endorsements- Wall Elected Officials Back Golden
Manalapan Elected Officials Stand With Bennett
Golden: Passion and pride, not personal gain, will grow the Monmouth GOP
Bennett: McEnery-Graziano Letter Raises Legitimate Issue. Says Golden Went Negative
Niemann Endorses Bennett, Says “You cannot be a Party Leader and an Elected Official”
John Kaye: Vin Gopal and the Monmouth Democrats will “beat us over the head” if Golden is Chairman- Bennett Doubles Down On Ethics Questions, Challenges Golden To A Debate
No comment from purchasing today? Looks like the “Wall” is about to start to come down on the chair.
What a shame and a sham. The sheriff strong-arms his way to become chair; stabbing Bennett in the neck along the way. Shows Shaun’s true colors. Lets see how he does when he has to make tough decisions and settle political squabbles. Lets se how he does when he has to pick sides. Lets see how he does with Freeholder Curley when he is chairman. Lets see how he does when he is conflicted over being elected and a party boss. Lets see how he does when he has to tell Colts Neck people he is from Howell. Lets see how he does when Singer retires and he cannot get the senate seat for Monmouth. Lets see how he does when he has to answer for the shenanigans in his own office. Lets see how he does when a long time supporter turns on him and stabs him like he has to Bennett. The shine is soon going to come off the “golden” boy since he is far from ready for prime time. This is about HIM and not the party as huge tries to climb the latter. Sad but true.
The ethically challenged Golden boy has stabbed Bennett and others in the chest—not the back. He looked him in the eyes and just wants to take over!
Just as some towns came out for Golden Boy, I hope others come out–and come out now for Bennett. I am just wondering where is co-chair Susan Cohen on this? I haven’t heard a peep from her.
And your right, the shenanigans in his office need to surface. That was the biggest scam on the taxpayers I have ever seen.
[…] on June 10, despite the endorsements of the municipal elected officials in Middletown and Howell going to his opponent in the GOP Chairman’s race, Sheriff Shaun […]
votes do these officials actually bring to the table? They might be very powerful and popular in their municipalities, but in the end it’s who has a legit vote.
[…] Mayor Clint Hoffman, Deputy Mayor George Newberry and Township Committee Members Ann Marie Conte, Jeff Foster and Todd Luttman, the entire governing body of Wall Township, signed a letter on Wall Township Republican Organization letterhead and addressed to Monmouth County Republicans today, strongly endorsing Golden for Chairman. Their letter can be found here. […]
[…] Mayor Clint Hoffman, Deputy Mayor George Newberry and Township Committee Members Ann Marie Conte, Jeff Foster and Todd Luttman, the entire governing body of Wall Township, signed a letter on Wall Township Republican Organization letterhead and addressed to Monmouth County Republicans today, strongly endorsing Golden for Chairman. Their letter can be found here. […]