In an uncharacteristic outburst, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone confronted his disgraced colleague, John P. Curley for disparaging two County employees with a gay slur. “Deny you said it,” Arnone shouted at Curley during a public comment by David D’Amico, a representative of Garden State Equality.
Happy summer! I hope everyone has been enjoying the warmer weather and all the county has to offer! There are so many events and activities throughout the county that there is sure to be something for everyone.
With that being said, I am happy to announce the launch of our new and improved tourism website, which can be viewed by visiting www.tourism.visitmonmouth.com. As the liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Public Information and Tourism, I am truly pleased with this new website and how much information is available. From indoor attractions to outdoor activities, this new website should keep everyone busy all summer long. Please check it out!
In keeping with the topic of making summer plans, don’t forget to check out our Grown in Monmouth website, which can be viewed by visiting www.growninmonmouth.com. Not only can visitors search for restaurants that use products grown in Monmouth County, they can also find pick-your-own destinations and farmers markets, among other events.
Freeholder Director Tom Arnone speaks at the NJTPA Board Meeting – Jan 22, 2018
I hope everyone had a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. Let us not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day – remembering those who have served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of our servicemen and women that we can continue to live in a safe nation where we can enjoy our freedoms.
Prior to the holiday weekend, my fellow Freeholders and I held our annual summer season kick-off press conference in Manasquan. We host this event each year in a different town and I would like to thank Mayor Ed Donovan for hosting our County event this year. It was truly a great morning spent with members of the public, as well as members of the business and tourism communities. As liaison to the department of tourism, I know just how important a role the tourism industry has on our local economy. Last year alone, tourists spent $2.5 billion in the County.
Freeholder Patrick Impreveduto joined Christopher P. Merkel, Public Health Officer/Coordinator and NY/NJ Baykeeper Greg Remaud to kickoff the Monmouth County boating season aboard The Royal Flush, the County Health Department owned and maintained pump boat that is operated by the Baykeeper.
The Royal Flush operates Fridays and Saturdays from May 18 to September 29, 2018, weather permitting. Approximate hours of operation are 8am to 4pm. Service is available in the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. The service is free of charge to recreational boaters and can be arranged by calling 732-890-6142 or by radio on VHF Chanel 9.
The service is for boats only and not area high school tracks.
Freeholder Director Tom Arnone speaks at the NJTPA Board Meeting – Jan 22, 2018
Happy May! I hope everyone was able to enjoy the outdoors during the warm weather last week. After this rainy and cold spring, I am looking forward to the summer months ahead.
I know I always say that it has been a busy couple of weeks but it truly has been. I’d like to take some time to share with you what I have been up to and a few important dates to come.
First of all, I’d like to thank all of the municipalities that are participating in the annual Paint the Town Pink campaign. For those unfamiliar with the campaign, its mission is to raise awareness of the importance of getting an annual mammography and women’s wellness.
Spring is finally here! It’s great to see the trees and flowers begin to bloom and show signs that warmer weather is on its way. I hope everyone has been able to enjoy time outside and hopefully visit some Grown in Monmouth properties!
I’d like to thank everyone who participated in Earth Day events throughout the County, including beach sweeps and property cleanups. I had the chance to visit with volunteers who were cleaning up the area surrounding Shark River.
Freeholder Director Tom Arnone speaks at the NJTPA Board Meeting – Jan 22, 2018
Hello, everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful time during the recent holidays and able to enjoy time with family and friends!
We have a lot of exciting events and programs in the coming weeks and months. However, I want to take the time this week to write about one of our biggest and most popular events returning this weekend – Made in Monmouth!
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has referred the corruption allegations against Freeholder John P. Curley made by former Assemblyman Michael Panter, in his capacity as in house counsel for Realty Data Systems, LLC, to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, according to Charles Webster, spokesman for the Prosecutor’s Office.
Due to the allegations against a sitting Freeholder, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office forwarded Mr. Panter’s letter of March 27 to the Attorney General’s Office for review and to take whatever actions they deem appropriate, Webster wrote to MMM.
The FBI and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office have conducted at least five interviews into the conduct of Freeholder John P. Curley and former Monmouth County Counsel Timothy B. Middleton, Esq., according to former Assemblyman Michael Panter, in his capacity as in-house legal counsel of Realty Data Systems, LLC (RDS), a company that performs property inspections for many municipalities participating in the New Jersey Assessment Demonstration Program (ADP).
Panter disclosed the law enforcement investigation into Curley and Middleton in a detailed nine page letter to Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone, Monmouth County Counsel Michael Fitzgerald, and County Administrator Teri O’Connell, with copies to the Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI, wherein the former legislator alleges that Middleton was the author of the anonymous letter which alleged corruption in the ADP, that Curley referred, with great fanfare and press coverage, to the Prosecutor in September of 2015, during the height of his last reelection campaign. Read the rest of this entry »
Curley votes no. Offers no cuts and defends rejecting $800K savings from State program. Continues to soak taxpayers for health insurance
The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders adopted a $448 million budget on Monday, March 19. The final budget is $1,450,000 (.03%) lower than originally proposed last month and $2,750,000 (.06%) higher than the County’s 2017 budget.
Property taxpayers will see the County’s portion of the tax bill raise by $1.50 to $25.00 for the year as the tax levy increases by $1,525,000 (.05%) over 2017. The budget as originally proposed last month included a tax levy increase of $3,024,750. The 2018 County tax levy is $304 million. Read the rest of this entry »
