DiMaso: No Gas Tax Price Gouging in Monmouth County

Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso announced today that the County Division of Weights and Measures, which she oversees, is on the look-out for unscrupulous gas stations that are raising their prices on the news that New Jersey Gas Tax has been increased by $.23 per gallon.

The new Trenton money grab does not go into effect until November 1.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Arnone: Casino referendum is bad for Monmouth County

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Freeholder Director Tom Arnone today announced his opposition to the public question that would amend the New Jersey Constitution to allow casino gambling in Northern New Jersey.

“My first responsibility as a Freeholder is to make sure Monmouth County’s interests are my top priority,” Arnone said in an announcement released by ‘Trenton’s Bad Bet,’ the group that has been campaigning against the constitutional amendment, “Unfortunately, the ballot question on casino expansion is misguided, shortchanges our horse racing industry, and favors a small group of out-of-state, special interests.”

“In no way does this legislation help Monmouth County,” Arnone concluded.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Freeholders Launch “Grown in Monmouth” Marketing Campaign

Freeholder Director Tom Arnone and Freeholder Lillian Burry announced a boost to the Agribusiness sector of Monmouth County’s economy last week with the launch of a marketing campaign for farm products grown in the county.

Monmouth County farms and related business can sign up to use the new “Grown in Monmouth” logo which is the first part of county wide marketing strategy funded under a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant the county received last year to evaluate current trends and future opportunities to expand the local farming industry, and to develop a marketing strategy to promote and market agricultural products.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

The Arnone Report: Remembering those lost on 9-11

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Over the weekend, Americans all over our great country gathered at memorials and events to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against our nation. We honored the innocent lives lost, along with the fearless display of heroism by first responders and citizens who responded to the unfolding tragedy.   In all, nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the attacks that day – they were family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

The Arnone Report: Addressing the needs of autistic children and adults

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

As I have mentioned before, one of the most rewarding organizations I am involved in is the Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children (MOFFC).  I share this honor with our Monmouth County Sheriff, Shaun Golden, as we are both members of the board of directors.  As the vice chairman of the board, I am working with MOFFC leadership to develop a facility for adults with autism because they “age out” of the current services available within our county at 21 years of age.  This facility would provide programming, services, therapies, and life skills training. These adults with special needs deserve a safe environment where they can continue to thrive and learn.

I am pleased to say we are extremely close to making this program a reality and I am currently working on the funding sources for it. I hope to have more specific details on this important and exciting project in the weeks to come.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

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

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Arnone: Shark River dredging to restart imminently

Freehold Director Tom Arnone told MoreMonmouthMusings that the NJ Department of Transportation has agreed to restart the Shark River dredging project despite the fact that the Transportation Trust Fund has yet to be renewed and funded. The news came to Arnone from a DOT official via phone after business hours on Wednesday.

NJ DOT spokesman Kevin Israel confirmed that the project will restart in an email to MMM.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

With transportation funding negotiations deadlocked, County has plan to restart Shark River dredging

Freeholder Director Tom Arnone said he will announce a plan to restart the Shark River dredging project Wednesday morning at the Shark River Marina in Neptune Township.

The project, which had restarted on schedule on July 1 was halted at midnight on July 8 when Governor Christie’s executive order halting projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund took effect.

The legislature failed to pass TTF funding with a $.23 per gallon gas tax on June 30th. The Senate’s plan was to increase the gas tax while phasing out the estate tax and reducing income taxes on retirees.  Christie and the Assembly agreed on a bill that would have raised the gas tax and reduced the sales tax from 7% to 6%.  Senate President Steve Sweeny and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto agreed to pass a revised version of the Senate’s original bill last week.  Yesterday, Christie said the Democrats plan is “dead on arrival.”

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet