Monmouth County's government reorganized yesterday afternoon before an overflowing crowd exceeding 500 people at the Monmouth Biotech High School in Freehold.
Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was on hand to swear in her successor, Sheriff Shaun Golden, who took the oath of office, with his family beside him, in full dress uniform while bearing a side arm. A contingent of at least 100 sheriff's officers, also in full dress, stood in support of the Sheriff as he swore his oath and addressed the "who's who of Monmouth County" assembly.
Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge, The Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson administered to the oath of office to Robert Clifton, Matawan, for his third term as Freeholder and to Thomas Arnone, Neptune City, for his first term as Freeholder.
In their remarks, the three newly sworn officers who were running mates in the last election, each emphasised their commitment to reducing the costs of government while maintaining the high quality of life in Monmouth County.
Golden and Arnone both emphasized sharing services with Monmouth County's 55 municipalities and other counties.
Golden commended his 9-11 dispatch center for fielding 17,000 calls during the recent blizzard. With a nudge to the Freeholders to increase resources to be shared, the sheriff noted that the telecommunications center which currently serves 45 local jurisdictions and two military installations is at capacity.
Arnone excelled at creating shared services agreements as mayor of Neptune City and will oversee the county's sharing efforts as Freeholder.
Clifton was elected by the board to serve as Freeholder Director and will continue to oversee the county's finance and administration departments. Him pledge to create a budget that minimizes its impact on taxpayers.
John Curley enters his sophomore year on the board as Deputy Director. He noted that his first year on the board was "a time of trial and tribulation" and "a great learning curve." He praised his fellow Freeholder, Republican and Democrat alike, as well as the administrative and rank and file employees of the county. The new Deputy pledge to work with and for his colleagues, but "ultimately for the taxpayers." He called on his fellow board members to shrink county government, to make it "smaller, more efficient and responsive for our taxpayers."
Citing the demands of the of NJ Apportionment Commission which is responsible for drawing a new legislative districts map based on the results of the 2010 Census, and his service on the NJ Assembly Budget and Labor Committees, Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris) announced that he is stepping down as chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee effective immediately.
The State GOP Committee was informed of Webber’s decision on a conference call this evening. Governor Chris Christie recommended that Saddle River Mayor Sam Raia be elected to replace Webber. Vice Chairwoman Lynda Pagliughi steps up to Acting Chair until the committee formerly meets. A meeting is expected within the next week.
Webber issued the following statement:
“It is with an overriding sense of satisfaction that I make this bittersweet announcement,” said Chairman Webber.“Although I enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to lead our Party during such an important time in our State’s history, the reality is that only about five months remain in the only term I planned on serving.Much of that time in early 2011 will be dedicated to the once-a-decade reapportionment process, a watershed moment in the State’s governmental and political life requiring and deserving my full attention.Shortly after the completion of that process, I will be focused on my service on the Assembly Budget Committee, as we close another budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2012.My stepping aside now will allow the next NJGOP Chairman to get started right away and give our Party’s vital operations the attention they deserve heading into the 2011 elections.
“I am grateful to Governor Christie and the members of the Republican State Committee for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Republican Party,” said Chairman Webber.“I also thank our elected officials and candidates, the dedicated members of the NJGOP staff, and the thousands of supporters who through their tireless efforts and tremendous generosity have been the true engine of our Party’s revival.I have been, and remain, humbled to have earned your support for our common cause.
“Together we have made a strong and successful Republican Party by rebuilding from the grassroots up, restoring the integrity of the Republican brand, and electing winning candidates committed to governing the right way when entrusted with the mantle of leadership.I am proud of all that we have accomplished, and have every confidence that together we will continue to serve our State, and our Party, well in the future,” said Chairman Webber.
Mayor Sam Raia awards Governor Christie the key to Saddle River. Source: NorthJersey.com who say they got the photo from Raia
Raia is a significant GOP fundraiser and supporter of the party. He is a Principle of RAIA Properties Corporation, a real estate investment management and development firm headquartered in Ramsey. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Seton Hall and an MBA in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson. In addition to his service as Mayor of Saddle River, Raia serves on the boards of the Hackensack University Medical Center and the New Jersey Commerce and Industry Association.
Freeholder John Curley will be named Deputy Director of the Freeholder Board when Monmouth County’s government reorganizes on Thursday afternoon at the Monmouth County Biotech High School, 5000 Kozloski Rd, Freehold. As previously reported, Rob Clifton will be elected Director by his colleagues.
Neptune City Mayor Tom Arnone will be sworn in as Freeholder. Shaun Golden, who has been Acting Sheriff since Kim Guadagno became Lt. Governor will be sworn in to his own term as Sheriff. Arnone is expected to resign the mayoralty in Neptune City effective tomorrow.
Sorry loyal readers, I’ve been on New Jersey’s cleared roads most of today on business and haven’t had a chance to post. However I did receive several emails requesting the video of Governor Christie’s comments about New Jersey’s Mayors’ response to the storm. Several media outlets have reported that Christie deflected blame away from himself over the conditions of New Jersey’s roads a week ago. That’s not what he said.
Here without any filter except the bald guy who keeps getting in the way, here is what the Governor said:
Not Even Close. The Mainstream Media damages its credibility and demeans the victims of Katrina with the comparison.
By Art Gallagher
This photo was taken in New Orleans on September 5, 2005, seven days after Hurricane Katrina hit the city:
Source: popmatters.com
This photo was taken this afternoon in Monmouth County, NJ, seven days after the Blizzard of 2010 hit:
FEMA will be in New Jersey tomorrow to start to access the damage caused by the blizzard. The damage will be a great deal less than the $81 billion that Katrina caused. The loss of live and human suffering caused by the blizzard was negligible. Not so Katrina.
Last week Capitol Quickies and InTheLobby got caught up in the hysteria of the storm and Governor Christie’s absence from the state during the storm. By now they should be over it.
Today, the Star Ledger used the Katrina reference in critiquing the public relations of Christie not being here during the storm.
The Sledger even quoted the PR hack who advised former Louisiana Goveror Kathleen Blanco during Katrina. Talk about epic failure. The hack, Bob Mann did a heck of a job for Blanco in 2005. Now he teaches political communications at Lousiana State Univeristy. Yikes! That’s like Jim McGreevey teaching ethics at a New Jersey state college.
Here’s a video of Chrisite answering the Sledger reporter’s PR questions during his press conference on Friday at the Monmouth County Hall of Records:
I guess the reporter didn’t like the Governor’s answer.
Senator Joe Kyrillos administers the Oath of Office to Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore
By Elyse Jankowski
Anthony P. Fiore was sworn in as Middletown Township’s Mayor Sunday in the annual reorganization meeting at town hall.
More than 100 residents, family and friends attended the ceremony that included the reappointments of various township officials, including the township attorney and general special council.
The meeting began with the swearing in of committee member and outgoing mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger and new committee member Kevin Settembrino. The election of mayor was awarded to Anthony P. Fiore. Committee member Pam Brightbill was sworn in as Deputy Mayor. Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr. administered the oaths of office.
Middletown’s Fire Chief and Deputy Chief were also sworn in: Michael Chenoweth and Andrew Spears of the Middletown Fire Department.
Middletown Mayor Tony Fiore administers the Oath of Office to Fire Chief Michael Chenoweth
His fellow council members elected former Deputy Mayor Fiore, a Republican who began to serve on the township committee in 2009, unanimously to the mayoralty.
During his remarks, Mayor Fiore outlined goals for 2011, which include “continuing to put Middletown first” by complying with the 2% property tax cap and calling for township-wide property reassessments.
“Many of the decisions we make will be difficult and some unpopular,” he noted.
Fiore addressed rising health insurance costs, which he plans to tackle by working together with his “great, well-rounded committee.” He also stated that “shared services will be crucial” in the year ahead.
Fiore will maintain support for Middletown’s Recycle2$ave program, which challenges the community to reduce their carbon footprint and save tax dollars. In addition, he looks forward to Ideal Beach improvements and the Port of Belford Project, both of which strive to improve the economic and physical viability of Middletown’s”hidden gem” on the bayshore.
Fiore’s closing remark spoke to the importance of service – “What truly makes Middletown a great place to live is the service of our volunteers.”
Deputy Mayor Brightbill’s address mirrored Fiore’s objectives.
“One of the most important attributes of any elected official is someone who knows and understands you,” she said. “I’m confident we can find ways to continue to make Middletown great without using taxpayer dollars.”
Brightbill plans to “continue being a liaison with Middletown’s great volunteers.”
New Committeeman Settembrino echoed the council’s intentions and intends to “maintain taxes and generate new ways for non-tax revenue.”
In outgoing Mayor Scharfenberer’s remarks, he addressed the issue of snow removal that was no doubt on everyone’s minds in the wake of last Monday’s blizzard.
“I know frustrations were extremely high,” he said. “We look at this as a teachable moment.”
Scharfenberger has been appointed to Governor Christie’s administration as Director of the Office for Planning Advocacy, formerly the Office of Smart Growth. Reflecting on his time as mayor, Scharfenberger noted, “2010 will be remembered as the most difficult economic year” but assured that “the Christie administration has made tremendous strides” in the effort to consolidate services. Scharfenberger plans to “return New Jersey to greatness” with Christie.
The members of the 2011 Middletown Township Committee are Mayor Anthony P. Fiore, Deputy Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill, and Committeemen Steve Massell, Gerard P. Scharfenberger and Kevin Settembrino.
MMM Correspondent Elyse Jankowski
MMM welcomes Elyse Jankowski to our staff as a contributing correspondent. In addition to her journalistic skills, Jankowski, of Middletown, is an experienced actress, radio disc jockey, publicists and spokes person who has appeared on MTV and The Discovery Channel. MMM is pleased that she has joined us along her journey to stardom!
The following are Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace’s remarks from today’s Reorganization Meeting:
Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!
This afternoon, I’m fortunate to have my family and friends with me as I begin my second term on Oceanport Borough Council. I would like to thank the residents of Oceanport for giving me this chance to, again, serve as your councilman. It is both an honor and a privilege.
I would like to thank my wife Eileen who, God knows puts up with a lot, and our two daughters Kristi and Samantha. Samantha often serves as my official photographer and Campaign Manager. The support and understanding of my family is an amazing gift that is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank my parents, Joseph and Jennie. Mom & Dad, you are true inspirations to me and great role models, too. Thanks to my Brother Rick and his family who are also with us today. To all the residents of Oceanport, your overwhelming support is the reason I sit here today. I pledge to continue my best work in my next three year term.
Congratulations to all the fire and first aid officers sworn in today. Special thanks to Tom Crochet, outgoing Chief, for his dedication to our borough. I’d also like to thank outgoing Councilman Jay Briscione for his many years of service. Jay’s contributions regarding our two biggest issues, Fort Monmouth and Monmouth Park, have been invaluable to all of us as a Governing Body. I’m glad Jay has volunteered, to remain active in both of these important projects. Welcome back Ted Ibex. As a former Councilman, Ted has played an important part in what our team has accomplished. I know he will be able to hit the ground running as he begins his current term.
The borough of Oceanport continues to deal with the direct and immediate impact of the closure of Fort Monmouth and the inane decisions involving Monmouth Park Racetrack. We as a Governing Body and community have to be increasingly vigilant and proactive knowing we don’t have ultimate control over either issue.
The actions being taken today regarding Fort Monmouth affect the future of Oceanport. Regardless of the political ramifications, we as a Governing Body, worked hard on the Fort Monmouth Redevelopment Bill. We participated in conversations and debates that consumed many hours and were not always cordial but were necessary to protect Oceanport and our future as a community. As a Governing Body we were able to extract an unprecedented 40 amendments to the original Fort Monmouth Bill which gave us some say in what happens in the 419 acres that will be located in our boundaries. Ultimately, this bill seems to reflect a lot of compromise as set forth in the amendments; HOWEVER, the one place that there was no compromise is in the underlying premise of the bill: State control. In my opinion, everything after State control is secondary. Therefore our vigilance going forward is vital to making sure Oceanport is protected as redevelopment progresses.
The recent Hanson Commission Report seems to suggest that Atlantic City casinos are more important to our State then horse racing. As host town to Monmouth Park, Oceanport couldn’t disagree more. The Commission seems to totally disregard the benefits that horse racing brings to New Jersey; such as 7,000 jobs, $110 million in federal, state and local taxes, and 57,000 acres of working agricultural landscape and open space.
A study done by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Treasury at a cost of $100,000, recommended the installation of slot machines at the Meadowlands. The reports stated that 5,000 machines at the Meadowlands would produce $750 million annually and that 10,000 machines would produce $1.5 billion annually. The same study suggested that 2,100 slots at the Meadowlands would reduce Atlantic City gross gaming revenue by a mere .01 percent and perhaps save live racing at Monmouth Park. Why were this study, and its results ignored?
Clearly, we need to remain involved and active in both matters as we head though 2011. I know that with Mayor Mahon’s leadership and the active role our Council has taken on both matters, Oceanport is in good hands!
In closing, I would like everyone to remember our troops who are serving overseas. We are able to enjoy our many freedoms because of their willingness to serve.
As we enter the New Year, I wanted to pause for a moment to thank you, my readers both loyal and casual for making MMM’s Fair and Biased News and Commentary part of your routine.
Thank you to the 193,443 unique visitors who made 270, 653 page views to MoreMonmouthMusings in 2010. That’s up from 113,121 visitors and 156,463 page views in 2009. What amazes me is that 69% of you come here directly without being referred by another site. 8% come from search engines. 5% come from my links on facebook. The rest come from CNN, InTheLobby and other sites with links. All of this traffic is “organic.” No SEO, no advertising, no bots, pings or trackbacks, whatever bots pings and trackbacks are.
However you got here and for whatever reason, thank you for coming and thank you for coming back.
For those who keep telling me that one can’t be both fair and biased, read these three seperate accounts of Governor Christie’s snow storm press conference; NorthJersey.com , NJ.com and APP.com. From my point of view having been there, NorthJersey.com’s account is the least biased/most accurate. Could be that the reporter’s bias is closer to mine than the others. If you take the time to read all three accounts, you might wonder if all three reporters were in the same place. They were. My point is one can’t be fair if they aren’t upfront about their bias. Most of the media isn’t upfront about their biases.
If you want an unfiltered version of what Christie said, watch the videos at MMM. My summary of each video is biased. The videos themselves are not.
For 2011 I resolve to provide fair and biased content that is informative, funny and provocative. If I don’t evoke laughter I will evoke anger, either at what I’m saying, how I’m saying it or regarding the subject matter. I resolve to recruit more writers to cover more of our county, state and country. Politics and government will likely continue to dominate MMM, yet I hope we grow to cover more of the Arts and Entertainment, Business and Community concerns. I resolve to sell more advertising and to improve the look and flow of the site.
Middletown, as well as most of Monmouth and Ocean Counties faced a storm that became one of the five worst in the last 140 years, with 30 inches of snow and winds equivalent to a category 2 hurricane. Township crews and private contractors began working the streets at approximately 10:00AM on Sunday, December 26th.
Hours before the storm weather predictions were for about half of what we actually were faced with. One of the most difficult issues with this storm was how quickly the snow accumulated. For the first 24 hours crews out plowing and using front end loaders were severely hampered by an extraordinary number of emergency calls requiring fire, first aid and police response. From Sunday, December 26th through Thursday, December 30th 3,449 calls for assistance were received. Of these, 1,009 calls required some form of emergency response and many were 911 calls. There were 204 reports of disabled motor vehicles (many stranded or abandoned and many of which were emergency vehicles), 123 First Aid and/or Fire responses and 102 reports of motor vehicle crashes.
Each emergency response required the diversion of a snow crew from wherever they were working to the location of the emergency so that access could be quickly provided to the address. This effort was continually hampered by again, an extraordinary number vehicles being stuck on the road, including numerous police cars, ambulances, tow trucks, and plows. There were also numerous cars left abandoned on roads, further hampering plowing operations.
Many pick-up trucks with plows were simply overwhelmed by the volume and weight of the snow and unable to function. In most areas, front end loaders were needed. Although front end loaders are very efficient in the volume of snow they can move, they do move very slowly. This is especially true in areas with a lot of on-street parking and we have a lot of neighborhoods like that.
Besides the complication of the tremendous volume of snow and the enormous number of calls for emergency response, two other factors contributed to the difficulties encountered. Because the storm hit Sunday and peaked Sunday night, there were a lot more cars parked on the streets that there would be for a weekday storm. In addition, on some roads conditions were made worse after mostly well-intentioned people moved snow from driveways and walkways and put it back into the streets.
The Township has had crews on the road, both township employees and private contractors, constantly since Sunday morning. Typically there are about 24 to 30 workers on either plows, front end loaders, or salt/sand trucks at any given time. The town is divided into four districts and each district has a supervisor that moves the crews from place to place within their district.They also re-deploy vehicles as needed to respond to emergencies. These crews, which include both township employees and private contractors, have worked round the clock since Sunday morning and will continue to do so for as long as necessary.
Each year the Township awards contracts to 6-7 private contractors to supplement our municipal operations. In response to this snow emergency, we added two more contractors. While one did show up and performed very well for us, the other contractor simply failed to appear.The area this contractor failed to cover had to be picked up by others causing further delay.
Middletown is comprised of 42 square miles compared to Manhattan with only 23 square miles. Our large geographic area presents a number of substantial challenges during storm events like this. The sheer number of roadway miles in Middletown is daunting when you think of plowing snow. Crews have to plow 330 roadway miles, which is the equivalent of plowing from Middletown to Richmond, Virginia.
We are confident that Middletown’s emergency responders and road crews did their very best through this extremely powerful storm. However, we realize that there is always room for improvement. We will be making every effort to review our operations and procedures used to respond to such storms and will implement several changes that will help us to handle such events more expeditiously in the future. We thank you for and appreciate your patience and perseverance. We will make every effort to continue improving our operations to the best of our ability.
Finally I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Monmouth County and the State of New Jersey. In addition to clearing the County roads, Freeholder John Curley was instrumental in sending us three front end loaders and operators to help clear Middletown roads. Similarly, the New Jersey Department of Transportation was quick to clear the State highways that run through Middletown and a representative from the Governor’s office even reached out to me personally to offer any assistance we needed. We thank them for partnering with us during this extraordinary storm event.
