Atlantic Highlands Councilman Will Not Run For Assembly
Councilman Peter Doyle has his eye on DiMaso’s Freeholder seat
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Peter Doyle
The entrance of Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso and Middletown Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger into the race for the GOP nominations for the Assembly seats currently held by Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon has prompted one rumored candidate to declare that he is not running for Assembly and to express his interest in DiMaso’s seat on the Freeholder Board should she elected to the legislature on November 7.
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Peter Doyle released this following statement this afternoon:
There is a lot of speculation and declaration surrounding the upcoming 13th district legislature race. I have served my country in the US Army, and my community in Atlantic Highlands for over a decade as a councilman. As you know, a few years ago, I threw my hat in the ring for Freeholder and remain interested in serving the public in a larger role. Recently, I have been contacted about the legislative race, but not sure if right now is the time to run for State office, particularly if there could be several Republican candidates, many of whom are my friends and each does an exceptional job for their constituents. I have always tried to put our party first, and my interest is in a Freeholder spot, assuming that Serena DiMaso will be successful in the legislative race. I supported Serena in the past and continue to do so. I believe that I have the qualifications and experience to contribute to the success of the GOP and look forward to speaking with the county committee regarding my future.
Should DiMaso be elected to the Assembly, she would have to resign as Freeholder upon being sworn into the state legislature. The Monmouth County Republican County Committee would then hold a convention governed by statute (Title 19) to elect a Freeholder to fill the vacancy until the next general election.
DiMaso first became a Freeholder via filling the vacancy created by Rob Clifton’s election to the Assembly in 2011. DiMaso was victorious at a Title 19 convention to fill the vacancy in early 2012 and successfully defended the Freeholder seat that November. She was elected to her own term on the Freeholder Board in November of 2012 and again in November of 2016.
More from my site
Are All 3 Seats in LD 13 at play? Handlin and O’Scanlon appear to be headed to a primary
Hazlet Mayor Sue Kiley Endorses O’Scanlon, Handlin and DiMaso in LD 13- Breaking….Amy Handlin drops Senate bid, Will run for reelection for Assembly
LD 13 Assembly Race Draws A Crowd As Scharfenberger Jumps In
Serena DiMaso Announces Her Candidacy For Assembly In LD 13- Handlin will run for Assembly if she fails in Senate bid, wants O’Scanlon to do the same
GOP Leaders Weigh In On LD 13 Slate
Vicky Flynn is running for the Assembly seat currently held by Serena DiMaso
Marchese drops out of LD 13 Assembly race, Endorses Handlin and DiMaso
O’Scanlon Raises $121K in two months for LD13 State Senate Race
at least he has some decent experience and several local runs and wins,under his belt. One would be hoping that actual service, qualifications, and accomplishments will be priority- one for the county committee, when selecting one, possibly two, new freeholders, in 2017, rather than who one’s friends are, and what one’s gender is.
I encourage Pete to throw his hat into the ring should Serena get the nod for Assembly. I first met him a few years ago when he ran for Freeholder and he impressed me with that effort. Getting to know him since then, he has an excellent background both as a public servant and in his work in the private sector. He would be an excellent choice for the board and I wish him the best of luck should he choose to run!