Carson passes Trump in second Iowa poll; Christie 12th

WASHINGTON — Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson led Donald Trump in a poll of likely Republican caucus goers released Friday, the second survey in two days to show the businessman and national GOP front-runner falling out of first place in the initial 2016 contest for convention delegates. The Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics Iowa Poll gave Carson 28… Read the rest of this entry »

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Christie: Prosecutor, not governor, ‘best job I ever had’

NEWTON, Iowa — Despite being reelected in a landslide, Gov. Chris Christie told a lunchtime crowd at an Iowa town hall Wednesday that serving as a U.S. Attorney was actually “the best job I’ve ever had.” With 102 days and 6 hours left before the crucial GOP Iowa Caucus, Christie also told those assembled to focus… Read the rest of this entry »

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More than 240K N.J. mortgages said to be ‘seriously underwater’

The share of “seriously underwater” properties in New Jersey declined from a year ago, according to a new report, but more than 240,000 homes still fell into that category in the third quarter of this year. Residents owed at least 25 percent over what what their home is worth on 13.8 percent of all residential properties… Read the rest of this entry »

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The Arnone Report: Hold Up On ADP, All Systems Go On Shark River

By Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone

Freeholder Tom Arone

I know there is much speculation recently on the integrity of the Assessment Demonstration Project and I want everyone to know that we hear you and we will support your inquiries. Earlier this year, I along with my fellow members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders asked Matt Clark, Monmouth County’s Tax Administrator, to hold a meeting for all the municipalities to explain the details of the Assessment Demonstration Project. It was our understanding that attendees left feeling more comfortable with what they heard and understood the benefits of the program. As a result of the close working relationships we have throughout the County, numerous Mayors have contacted the Freeholders with concerns over the uncertainty of this program and the recent negative media coverage surrounding it.  While we all did our best to alleviate those concerns, we also understand the difficult position it puts most of them in. After the events the past few weeks, without making judgements on the program, its administrator or county tax board members, we believe it may be best to put this program on hold until all questions are answered and the Mayors can explain the long term tax benefit to the residents of Monmouth County . It is our hope that the timeline of January 1 will remain intact while these issues are vetted, as it gives the municipalities the ability to budget for the following year’s tax appeals. It is our hope that you continue to stay informed and aware of the tax assessment program through your municipality or at the County level.

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Saturday is Make a Difference Day in Middletown

Township Committee Urges Residents to Make Food Donations This Week

Middletown Township is participating in the nationwide community service day, Make A Difference Day, on Saturday October 24.

The Middletown Social Services Department is holding a food and cleaning supplies drive through Friday, October 23. Non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and paper products are needed to restock Middletown Pantry. The Middletown Pantry, which is managed by the Social Services Department and Middletown Helps Its Own, provides emergency food and household supplies to residents in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

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Marlboro GOP Candidates Congratulate Middletown for Taking Action on Property Taxes

Mayoral and Council Candidates Pledge Solutions, Not Grand Standing

Ira Goldberg, Sui Allex and John Dwyer

Marlboro, NJ- Ira Goldberg, the Republican candidate for mayor in Marlboro Township issues his congratulations to Middletown Mayor Stephanie Murray and the Middletown’s Township Committee for taking decisive action to bring accountability and fairness to their Township’s Property Tax Assessments in the wake of the Asbury Park Press investigation that shed a scandalous light on the state-mandated Assessment Demonstration Program, the controversial new method of setting property values in Monmouth County.

“While Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik has been political grandstanding in the face of a scandal by calling for the ADP to be suspended without offering a replacement, my friends in Middletown have enacted a solution to inequitable tax assessments and put their own credibility on the line,” Goldberg said, “By firing Realty Data Systems, and bringing the home inspection and data collection functions in house, Middletown has offered a solution to the problem.  That is leadership.”

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State senators get lesson in school overcrowding, underfunding in Freehold Borough

FREEHOLD BOROUGH – State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Jennifer Beck visited Park Avenue Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon to promote the value of the district’s early childhood education program. The met with teachers and students, watched them read books and heard them sing songs. Then were told that the benefits… Read the rest of this entry »

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Dozens aid in rescue of man at Manasquan Inlet

MANASQUAN — Police and firefighters rescued a man who fell off the end of the Manasquan Inlet jetty Monday night. The 26-year-old victim suffered a cut to his head and possible neck and back injuries, according to Manasquan fire chief Ed Hill. The call came in at about 7:15 pm and the rescue took more than… Read the rest of this entry »

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Used car dealer gets prison time for withholding sales tax from N.J.

TRENTON — A Toms River used car dealer was sentenced to three years in prison for pocketing more than $220,000 in sales tax that he should have paid to the state over four years, authorities said. Under the sentence imposed on Friday, Gennaro Dicecilia, 58, must also pay $220,797 to the state Department of Treasury as… Read the rest of this entry »

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Fire at Aberdeen warehouse remains under investigation

“Mayor Fred Taliarini said on facebook, “I just want you to know that our brave firefighters did a heck of a job last night at the US Mahogany factory on Lloyd Road. They also had the help of many surrounding towns. They fought that fire for hours. I visited these incredible volunteers at site last night to thank them on behalf of a very grateful town. I am so proud of all our first responders who keep Aberdeen safe!”

ABERDEEN — Investigators remained at the scene of a blaze on Sunday morning that forced traffic diversions and caused train delays on Saturday night. Aberdeen Police Chief John Powers said the fire was reported at a warehouse that stocks lumber and hardwoods around 8:40 p.m. The fire was declared under control at 9:45 p.m., he said.… Read the rest of this entry »

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