Rick O’Neil is the Right Man for Highlands

By Assemblyman Rob Clifton

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Rick O’Neil for almost 20-years. Rick and I served together on the Bayshore Conference of Mayors. We worked on issues that affected all the towns from Rick’s hometown of Highlands to my hometown of Matawan. Rick was a leader and the driving force in dealing with the most critical issue we faced then and still face today, illegal drugs. Highlands, under Rick’s leadership, was a supportive and active member of the Bayshore Drug Taskforce.

When I joined the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2005, I continued to work with Rick on County projects in Highlands, specifically the Henry Hudson Trail improvement, and we spoke often before and after Hurricane Irene. Rick was always there to provide sound advice that I relied upon on issues that ranged from finance to public works.

I can think of no one so uniquely qualified to serve as Mayor of Highlands than Rick O’Neil. He has worked on regional issues with his fellow mayors and he has fought to make sure Highlands was never ignored by county, state and federal officials on the important issues that Highlands has faced.

Rick has done it all. He served as Mayor for nine-years with skill and compassion. He served on the Council, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, the First Aid Squad, the Sewage Authority and the Housing Authority.

His list of accomplishments is impressive and he has improved the quality of life for all the residents of the Borough.

I respectively ask the residents of Highlands to vote for Rick O’Neil for Mayor. Please return this dedicated and experienced leader back to office so that he can work once again to continue to make Highlands a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Assemblyman Rob Clifton served on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2005 to 2011 and was the Mayor of the Borough of Matawan: 1996 to 2004