SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON FREEHOLDERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS

By Assemblyman Rob Clifton

I recently read Former Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet’s criticism of Freeholder Serena DiMaso’s purchase of health benefits through the County. I have to disagree with the former Freeholder’s comments. I was on the Freeholder board in 2009 when Freeholder Lillian Burry and I proposed eliminating taxpayer fund health benefits for freeholders in order to deal with the downturn in economy. I was deputy director in 2010 when we made the resolution permanent.

Both actions were taken to save money in the budget and to return those dollars to the taxpayers.  Our intent was to no longer have the residents pay for health benefits; certainly if Ms. Mallet wanted to pay for those benefits out of her own pocket we could have and would have allowed it.

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FOP Lodge 30-Monmouth County Superior Officers Endorse Arnone and DiMaso for Freeholder

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone and Deputy Director Serena DiMaso

Freehold, NJ- The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #30, Monmouth County Superior Officers’ Association supports the reelection of Freeholders Tom Arnone and Serena DiMaso, announced the association’s president, Shawn Reece.

“Public Safety is one of the most important functions of county government,” Reece said. “Freeholder Director Tom Arnone and Serena DiMaso have always recognized that truth and have made sure that our members have the support, training and resources we need to keep Monmouth County a safe and secure place to live and raise our families.”

Freeholder DiMaso is the daughter of a New York City Police Officer and her sister is a NYPD Captain.  As a member of the Holmdel First Aid Squad, DiMaso is a first responder herself—on call 24/7—to save the lives of those facing medical emergencies.  Our work in law enforcement, the sacrifices we make and the risks we take, is not theoretical for Serena and that shows in how she conducts herself as a leader of Monmouth County’s government.

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DiMaso expresses disappointment in presidential choices at Manalapan debate

Deputy Freeolder Director Serena DiMaso was challenged by her Democrat opponent, Sue Fulton, to declare her differences with the Republican National Platform at a candidates forum on Thursday night at the Four Seasons 55+ community in Manalapan.

Both DiMaso and Fulton were both aware that Democrat operatives were seated in the audience recording the exchange for use in the barrage of TV commercials that will attack DiMaso starting next week and extending through election day.

Rather than get into a same sex marriage or abortion debate by answering the GOP platform question, DiMaso deftly pivoted and addressed the presidential candidates.

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The Arnone Report: Fort Monmouth Progress, Monmouth Park needs help

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Hello Monmouth County! What an incredible few weeks it has been here throughout our beautiful county. The weather has been near perfect, providing great opportunities to visit all the wonderful places and activities we have to offer.

I have some very exciting news to share about the Former Fort Monmouth property. The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders provided final approval last week to guarantee $35 million in notes and bonds through the Monmouth County Improvement Authority (MCIA). The funding will be used to revitalize the property which has been closed since 2011 and the potential impact of this redevelopment on our residents is enormous. It was the right thing to do for the region.

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Freeholders approve $35 million in bonds for Fort Monmouth acquisition

Freeholder John Curley, Deputy Freeholder Director Serena DiMaso, Freeholder Lillian Burry and Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders agreed to back up the acquisition of the 560 acres at Fort Monmouth that is not already controlled by the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) with a $35 million bond guarantee.  The Freeholders voted 4-1, with John Curley opposing the guarantee, at their meeting last night which was held in Ocean Township.

The Freeholders’ action enables the Monmouth County Improvement Authority to guarantee bonds issued by FMERA.  With the AAA bond rating of MCIA, the bonds will have the lowest interest rate available in the market.  FMERA will use the proceeds to purchase the land, valued at $90 million, from the Department of the Army for roughly $35 million.  The bonds will be secured by the land.

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The Arnone Report: Too much good stuff for a catchy headline

By Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Did you know that Monmouth County is the gateway to the Jersey Shore? It’s evident in the more than 50 miles of beaches we have here. I hope you are taking in all that we offer in this beautiful county – from the boardwalk full of rides in Keansburg to the acres of vineyards in Cream Ridge.

Last week, along with Deputy Director DiMaso, I was happy to welcome the brand new anchor team for NBC New York to the Jersey Shore. They stopped in at Keansburg Amusement Park to take in all the sights and sounds – including zeppoles and pizza from the famous Victors Pizza and even got on a few rides! Thank you NBC New York for coming out to the beautiful Jersey Shore and helping promote the region as a vacation destination for all your viewers

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Curley: Control of Fort Monmouth should transfer to County, Towns along with the deed

By Monmouth County Freeholder John P. Curley

Freeholder John P. Curley

In 2010, Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Fort Monmouth Revitalization Authority Act therefore, evolving into the Fort Monmouth Revitalization Authority, FMERA. As stated in their annual report, FMERA is to “provide investment continuity and economic growth to the communities impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth”. The original plan addressed the 1126 acres in Eatontown, Oceanport, and Tinton Falls.

The Monmouth County Improvement Authority will be sanctioned by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders to bond 33 million dollars for the Phase II redevelopment effort at Fort Monmouth. This bonding will provide for a direct purchase (transfer) of the remaining 560 acres in the Borough of Oceanport and the Borough of Eatontown, from the Department of the Army to a state created entity, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, FMERA.

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FROM THE DESK OF LILLIAN G. BURRY: Fair is fair and the library has an app        

Freeholder Lillian G. Burry

Folks get ready, it’s that time of year again, and the 42^nd Annual Monmouth County Fair is set to get underway. Once again you can enjoy all the wonderful fun activities that have become synonymous with the Monmouth County Fair. Congratulations to the Monmouth County Parks system and the Monmouth County 4-H Association for leaving no stone unturned. This year’s fair will prove to be one that you surely will not want to miss, and it will run from Wednesday to Sunday, July 27 – 31 delivering excitement for the entire family. From the 4-H shows & exhibits, home and garden competitions and horse shows to the games, rides and live entertainment, it is guaranteed to be a great time. Additionally, you can expect to see crafters and commercial vendors. You will have many opportunities to sample some delectable food, as well as have an opportunity to make purchases from the farm stands that will be featuring local produce. There is even a climbing wall! I encourage everyone to come out to the Monmouth County Fair and be prepared to be totally entertained with lots of laughs and good surprises along the way.

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The Arnone Report: Show us the 9-1-1 money!

By Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Summer is in full swing and the weather is extraordinary! I’ve been all over the place the past few weeks with my fellow Freeholders, visiting towns, festivals and businesses throughout our beautiful Monmouth County, and nothing makes me happier than to see businesses thriving and residents and tourists enjoying all that we have to offer here. Speaking of festivals, many of these summer events would not be possible without the support of our law enforcement officers, first responders and volunteers.  I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our first responders, especially our law enforcement officers during this sad and tragic time in our country. Thank you all for serving and protecting us every day and making our communities a safe place to live. The officers here in Monmouth County are among the best in the country and I pray you stay safe each and every day.

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Sheriff Golden, Freeholders demand that Trenton fund 911 centers

Sheriff Shaun Golden points to the $.90 fee on his phone bill. Click photo for larger view

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and all five Monmouth County Freeholders called for the State of New Jersey to stop diverting the $.90 per phone line surcharge New Jersey consumers pay with their cell and landline bills from it’s intended purpose…the funding of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)… at a press conference outside the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Center in Freehold this afternoon.

According to draft resolution that the New Jersey Association of Counties is urging all 21 New Jersey Freeholder Boards to adopt, New Jersey is in violation of federal law, the “NET 911 Act of 2008” (H.R 3403) for having diverted 89% of the $1.25 billion in 911 System and Emergency Response Fees collected since 2006.

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