Gary Rich: Fighting and Winning for Monmouth County Taxpayers

By Deputy Freeholder Director Gary Rich

When I ran for Freeholder in 2011, I ran on the promise that I would spend every day in office working for the taxpayers of Monmouth County. Three years later, Monmouth County’s Board of Chosen Freeholders has just delivered its fourth straight budget with no change to the property tax levy. Four straight years.

Gary Rich

This wasn’t simply chance and luck had nothing to do with it. I fought hard and committed to making tough cuts in order to meet our commitment to Monmouth County taxpayers—to provide the high level of services our residents are accustomed to while employing the utmost fiscal prudence.

In 2010, the Monmouth County budget peaked at $493,400,000. Since then, this Freeholder Board has reduced the budget to the tune of $12.5 million in total savings over the last four years. And this is to say nothing of the $60+ million in spending that was cut over the same time period as a result of the budget work that happens all year long behind the scenes.

It’s not without its challenges. The budget process requires a delicate balance. After all, a low budget and no tax increase mean nothing if taxpayers then suffer due to declining and diminished services. The County still has to provide the services that our residents need – that’s its mandate. But it’s the mandate of the Board of Chosen Freeholders to make sure we’re providing that top-notch service in the most efficient and effective way possible.

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NJ driver arrested after ripping through Neptune streets, making obscene hand gestures, report says

NJ driver arrested after ripping through Neptune streets, making obscene hand gestures, report says (via NJ.com)

NEPTUNE — A driver was arrested after speeding around a Neptune Township neighborhood for more than an hour on Sunday. As he circled the street, he made obscene hand gestures at startled witnesses, played abrasive music and operated his late model…

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What drove a man to hit the same Toms River store he robbed 15 years ago 1 day after leaving jail

What drove a man to hit the same Toms River store he robbed 15 years ago 1 day after leaving jail (via NJ.com)

A day after spending 15 years behind bars for robbing a Toms River shoe store, Christopher M. Miller was arrested in March after he robbed the same exact business. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, Miller, 40, explains what led him back…

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UPDATE_Fireman’s Fairs in Monmouth County

Nothing says SUMMER like a FIREMAN’S FAIR.
And Monmouth County has them for you.
Get out your datebooks and jot down these dates.
Soon it will be time to support your local Fire Department.
Filled with Games -Rides-Food-Music and Fireworks night.
These Fun Time Events are sure to please.

Please see the correction on the Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair

Wednesday, July 2- Saturday, July 5
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS FIREMAN’S FAIR
6:00 PM –  10:00 PM
Municipal Harbor Gazebo
2 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands
Info: 732-291-1444, x 3005
——————————————————
Wednesday, July 28 – Saturday, August 2
KEYPORT FIREMAN’S FAIR
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fireman’s Park 
West Front Street and American Legion Drive, Keyport
Info: 732-739-5138
———————————–
Tuesday, July 29– Saturday, August 2
MANASQUAN’S FIREMAN’S FAIR
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Volunteer Engine Company #2
111 Parker Avenue, Manasquan
Info: 732-223-3501
www.manasquanfair.com/–
———————————————
Friday, August 22 & Saturday, August 23
FAIR HAVEN FIREMAN’S FAIR
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fair Haven Fire Department
645 River Road, Fair Haven
Food-Beer-Rides-Games-Entertainement
Also on Monday, August 25-Thursday, August 28, 6p-10p
and Friday, August 29 & Saturday, August 30, 6p-11p
(closed on Sunday, August 24)
www.fhfd.org/firemansfair.html
———————————————-

Don’t forget to check the BizEturtle: Events in Monmouth website
for more information on these fairs and more happenings in
Monmouth County

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International Megan’s Law moves through Congress

International Megan’s Law moves through Congress (via NJ.com)

The International Megan’s Law cleared a major hurdle Friday when the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed it. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.) has worked to pass the bill, which would expand the system of registering…

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Sea Bright Business Owners Donate Bicycle Repair Station To The Borough

Jersey Shore bicyclers who need to adjust their equipment have a place to stop in Sea Bright thanks to the generosity of the Businesses of Sea Bright (BSB).

click for larger view

MMM happened upon Mayor Dina Long, Councilman Read Murphy, and residents Marianne McKenzie Morse, Karley York and Jack Gotti shortly after the dedication ceremony for the newly installed Dero Fixit.

Morse said, “We need to get the word out.” MMM is happy to help.

Murphy said he is a big Bike Supporter.

Long said, “The Fixit is a generous gift of the Business of Sea Bright, BSB, for the use of all cyclists for the betterment of Sea Bright and the promotion of cycling in Sea Bright.”

The repair station is adjacent to the bus stop at the beach parking lot on Ocean Ave.

The Fixit includes all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments, according to Dero’s website.

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NJ pension payment could be delayed by Christie, risking downgrades

NJ pension payment could be delayed by Christie, risking downgrades (via NJ.com)

TRENTON — New Jersey may delay a payment to the state pension fund by several days to help plug an $807 million budget gap, the state treasurer said Thursday, a risky move that could touch off union lawsuits and downgrades by Wall Street credit-rating…

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Middletown Officials Backing Golden For Chairman

All five members of the Middletown Township Committee have announced that they are backing Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden in his bid to replace John O. Bennett III as Chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.

Front, Mayor Stephanie Murray and Deputy Mayor Kevin Settembrino. Rear, Committeemen Tony Fiore, Gerry Scharfenberger and Steve Massell. Photo via MiddletownNJ.org

Mayor Stephanie Murray, Deputy Mayor Kevin Settembrino, and Committee Members Gerry Scharfenberger, Stephen Massell and Tony Fiore, all Republicans, issued a statement through Fiore .

“Sheriff Golden will bring a new energy to our Party and make us even stronger in delivering the best and most efficient county and municipal governments in New Jersey to the people of Monmouth County.

“Shaun has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation while improving the performance of the Sheriff’s Office and controlling costs to the taxpayers on both the county and municipal levels.  We believe his leadership and executive skills will greatly serve Monmouth County residents in a political capacity as well.

“Shaun will move our party forward and is the best person to heal any fractures that have occurred over the years.

“We appreciate the good job that Chairman Bennett has done during his term, but now, we face new challenges as elected officials and political leaders.  We can’t afford to rest on our laurels, but must move forward with fresh eyes and with a renewed commitment to improve our performance for the people we represent and serve.”

Fiore told MMM that the committee members were speaking for themselves, not for the Middletown Republican Organization.  Middletown GOP Chairman Peter Carton is aware of their endorsement, but has yet to speak with Golden or Bennett, Fiore said.

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Save the Date, Saturday, May 23, 2014

The Atlantic Highlands Police Benevolence Association Local 242 
hosts their 27th annual event, which, for many residents of Atlantic Highlands, is an annual rite of Spring on Saturday, May 23rd, 2014 

Fine dining, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar combined with a 
charity auction with dozens of spectacular prizes are expected, as always, to attract large numbers of residents.Over the years, P.B.A Local #242 has contributed proceeds from the event to local organzations, including : The AH Historical Society, Henry Hudson Regional School and the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School. 

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, May 9 – 11, 2014  

By Greg Kelly

Friday, May 9

• Sinbad at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Mother’s Day Soul Jam at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• 13: The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre (Manasquan) – MORE INFO

• Carousel the Musical at Premier Theatre (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Images of Christ Church Shrewsbury: Then & Now – MORE INFO

• Saltwater Fishing Clinic (Middletown) – MORE INFO

• Jersey Fresh International Event at Horse Park of NJ (Allentown) – MORE INFO

• Paint the Town Pink Events (County wide) – MORE INFO

• Family Game Night (Tinton Falls) – MORE INFO

• Firehouse Plant Sale (Fair Haven) – MORE INFO

• Law Enforcement Career Fair (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Beginner Photography Using a Digital SLR (Belmar) – MORE INFO

• Monmouth Civic Chorus Spring Soirée (Deal) – MORE INFO

• Sweet Dreams for Seniors: Getting a Good Night’s Rest (Howell) – MORE INFO

• Moon Over Buffalo by Spotlight Players (Matawan) – MORE INFO

• Art Show & Sale (Manasquan) – MORE INFO

• The Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Spring Lake Theatre – MORE INFO

• A View of the Mountains at NJ Repertory Theatre (Long Branch) – MORE INFO

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Aberdeen) – MORE INFO

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