If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, Monmouth County is a great place to live and work. I’ve had the opportunity in the last couple of weeks to see firsthand just how generous and compassionate our residents truly are and I could not be more proud to call this County my home.
One benefit I recently attended helped raise funds for the victims of devastating earthquakes in Italy, specifically in the town of Amatrice. Through the coordination of local residents, this benefit was a great way for our area to pay it forward to those in need. As we witnessed in the days, months and even years since Superstorm Sandy, the generosity of others – especially strangers from all parts of the world – can go a long way to bringing back a sense of normalcy.
Jeanine Riegler, left, and Chris Slater of Junction Boutique
Junction Boutiqueopened their doors in a small retail space in Belford’s Campbell’s Junction less than two years ago. The cooperative effort of local artisans selling their homemade jewelry, heirlooms, clothes, candles and bath products and other art started with eight local crafters.
Two months later Chris Slater, the organizer and inspiration of the group, attended a Made in Monmouth trade show at Monmouth University, where she met other Monmouth County based small business owners/artist. They weren’t competitors, they were collaborators. The number of businesses selling their products at the tiny store quickly grew and by the end of 2016 the 28 participants had outgrown their space. Slater said that all but a handful of the Junction Boutique artisans were connected through Made in Monmouth and all are New Jersey based.
Happy New Year! Last week I was sworn into my third term as Freeholder and I am excited and grateful to continue to serve the residents of Monmouth County. I would like to thank my family for their support and my fellow Freeholders for their continued dedication to our County.
I would like to congratulate my running mates, Freeholder Serena DiMaso, Sheriff Shaun Golden and Surrogate Rosemarie Peters on their well-deserved re-elections. I would also like to congratulate Lillian Burry on her selection as the 2017 Freeholder Director and John Curley on his selection as Freeholder Deputy Director. I look forward to working with you both, and the entire Freeholder Board in the coming year. As always, I would like to wish all of our mayors best of luck as we begin the New Year.
Freeholders Tom Arnone and Lillian Burry complete the purchase of Ft. Monmouth with Noreen Dresser, Chief of Real Estate, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, NY Distirct
Anyone living in Monmouth County is likely to be aware of the many good things County government provides including our roads, parks and library system. One of the most important and valuable things the County provides, however, is known to relatively few residents. That’s the role the County plays in enhancing the financial resources of others and it’s a role that’s played quietly, sometimes indirectly, and always with unwavering expertise.
Sometimes it takes the form of a direct payment, providing the County share of the price for preserving farmland that brings far larger amounts of state dollars to a deal. At other times it’s providing a mix of funding and in-kind staff resources as a match for Green Acres dollars used to acquire or develop additional open space or some other worthy grant funded project. And sometimes it’s taking advantage of the AAA bond rating of the County – a rating held by fewer than two dozen of the more than three thousand American counties – to help others borrow money through the Monmouth County Improvement Authority (MCIA) at interest rates that can save significant amounts of dollars in interest payments over the life of a loan.
Freehold, NJ- Anthony Anderson, President of the Police Benevolent Association Local #240, Monmouth County’s 300 corrections officers, announced the union’s support of Sheriff Shaun Golden and Freeholders Tom Arnone and Serena DiMaso for reelection on November 8.
“Sheriff Shaun Golden is an innovator and an extraordinary leader of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office,” Anderson said. “During his tenure as Sheriff, Golden as achieved what for many government leaders would be unimaginable—he has reduced his department’s budget by millions of dollars while enhancing the working conditions of the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Monmouth County residents. As his employees and as taxpayers in Monmouth County, we are proud to encourage our friends and families to vote for him on November 8.
“Freeholders Tom Arnone and Serena DiMaso have proven themselves to be strong stewards of Monmouth County’s government and strong supporters of law enforcement and public safety.
Police Benevolent Association Local #314, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officers, announced their endorsement of Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso for a second full term on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, association President Robert Derasmo announced.
Calling DiMaso “the ideal candidate” for Monmouth County Freeholder, Derasmo cited her education with a law degree and bachelors from St. John’s University, her “vast experience” in public administration as a Freeholder since 2012 and as a former Mayor and Township Committee Member in Holmdel.
The endorsement letter noted that DiMaso is following in her family history as a first responder as a member of the Holmdel First Aid Squad. “Her administrative and front line experience gives Serena great perspective as an advocate for Shared Services in Monmouth County,” Dermaso said.
“Walk the Line” is a documentary that chronicles one man’s quest for political identity. Lapell Crank sets out on a journey to become a politically informed citizen. The filming process follows Crank as he interacts with and interviews politicians, media figures and ordinary citizens. The documentary’s videographer, Christian Brown, was gracious enough to put together a clip of Freeholder Director Tom Arnone’s part in the film to help out with his campaign for reelection. Take a look!
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.
NJ State Local Police Benevolent Association # 314 -The Monmouth County Sheriff Officers endorsed Freeholder Director Tom Arnone of a third term.
“PBA Local 314 proudly endoreses Thomas A. Arnone for Monmouth County Freeholder,” wrote President Derasmo. ”
The union cited Arnone’s leadership of the Monmouth County Public Works and Engineering Department, the Office of Public Information and Tourism, Economic Development and the Office of Share Services as a freeholder, as well as his experience and a mayor and councilman in Neptune City where he served as the Director of Emergency Management Services and was part of the Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
The Monmouth County Republican team for County Offices, Sheriff Shaun Golden, Surrogate Rosemarie Peters, Freeholder Director Tom Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso released a video ad this afternoon that reminds voters of the $4.5 million property tax cut and outstanding services the county government provides.
