As an Independent Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder this November, I hope to bring a sense of urgency to the position and take immediate action to help our fellow residents during these difficult economic times. Monmouth County Government has become too expensive.
My platform:
15 objectives for Monmouth County Freeholders in 2012 and beyond
Lower county taxes for Monmouth County residents. Tax increases are unacceptable. Our government has become unaffordable. Sounds obvious, but we need to commit to this objective.
Stop using Monmouth County reserves to balance the budget. Using $43 million of our surplus to balance the 2011 budget was an action of fiscal irresponsibility. We cannot continue to simply hope the economy will turn around. Using our reserves leaves us in a “weakened” position and shows residents that our government is overspending.
Stop hiring people who are already “retired” and receiving government pensions in excess of 60K annually. Many of our residents are are struggling and are looking for work. Monmouth County is experiencing a 9% unemployment rate. Hire our residents who do not have the benefit of a large government pension.
Move to a Higher Moral Ground. Stop nepotism/favoritism in Monmouth County government hiring. Demand accountability at Brookdale and at all our county departments. Change the culture in Monmouth County government to become more responsive to its citizens.
Apologize to the students of Brookdale College for the “planned 2011 tuition” increase, and the unethical practices of its leadership. Continue to examine all areas of spending at the school and hold the Brookdale Board of Trustees accountable. How can we consider raising tuition, when the Brookdale president was given a large salary, SUV, money to send his kids to private college, and a credit card for entertaining? Where was the oversight?
Move to outsourcing services where appropriate. Monmouth County government has become too expensive. Let our private sector handle more government functions. County government should provide essential services directly. Golf courses, nursing homes, marinas, etc. are just some of the areas we need to let our private sector handle.
Cut spending. Cut spending. Cut spending. Do not assume the NJ economy will get better. Because if you are wrong, you will leave Monmouth County with another large budget deficit. Many of our residents are cutting their spending due to economic conditions. Follow their lead. Do not hope for the best, then hit residents with another tax hike. S&P has just placed Monmouth County on credit watch; so the stakes are high.
Bring QUALITY jobs to Monmouth County. Committees, job fairs and “toolkits” are nice ideas, but we need much more that. I am committed to creating jobs and by reaching out to Fortune 1000 firms. Monmouth County is a great place to do business. AT&T, Lucent, BRAC are all gone. Monmouth County has now become our second largest employer. This is a recipe for disaster. Our young people will continue to move out of the county, due to lack of viable career opportunities available.
Make sure the county government does the basic things well and does not make excuses. Plow county roads in a timely manner. Ensure that utilities can provide our residents with reliable electricity. Make county government offices more responsive to its residents. Providing essential services is what residents are paying taxes for.
Make Monmouth County government relevant and more appreciated by its residents. Provide services that benefit most Monmouth County residents, and reduce those, that benefit few. Many of our residents, do not have a clue what their county government does for them. That is not a good sign, given we are spending $500 million annually. We need to take step back and engage with our towns to see how they want their county taxes spent. County government needs to serve its residents in a manner they desire, and not be beholden to special interests.
Reduce government borrowing. The $43 million in surplus the Freeholders used to balance the budget , would have been better spent paying down Monmouth County’s $500 million in debt. Our debt service expense has become a major drag on the budget. Monmouth County’s large debt, combined with struggling state and federal budgets, is a recipe for financial disaster. Our borrowing costs will continue to increase, as S&P has already put us on credit watch. Brookdale University is also on credit watch.
Demand shared sacrifice. We cannot ask taxpayers to continue to bear the brunt of our fiscal shortfall, without asking our employees and service providers to make sacrifices also. We are all in this together, and “all” does not mean just property owners. Rising property taxes are driving both commercial and residential real estate prices lower. We also need to continue to raise revenues from alternative sources, other than property taxes.
Encourage Monmouth towns to embrace shared services; for the benefit of their financial future. We can make a difference for our towns, without threatening their independence. This cannot be a hobby for Freeholders, but a mission. Local expenses continue to rise and with over 50 municipalities in the county, we need to become for efficient.
Set priorities when it comes to spending. Monmouth county’s budget is approximately a half a billion dollars. We need to prioritize each line item in the budget. Areas such has helping disabled children and adults, would be a high priority expense that should be protected. Spending on fringe benefits, like the ones given to Brookdale’s president would be low priority item. It is safe to say there are many areas that will be low on our list, and will be targeted for removal. It’s not the Freeholder’s money. It’s OUR money.
Establish a sense of Urgency, and stop wasting time making public appearances. We need to get to work for the taxpayer. Every day we are not addressing our budget deficit, is moving us closer to financial disaster. Make Monmouth County lead the state in fiscal responsibility and job growth.
In the end, I am sure that many of the candidates support some parts of this platform. The more relevant question is can they execute? Do they have the urgency, the desire and the ability to get the job done. Or are they simply going to hope the economy recovers, and then tell us they need to raise taxes?
This is a detailed platform, that I am putting in writing, so residents understand my objectives. The major parties have endorsed their candidates, and are asking you to trust their choice and wisdom. Much like the Obama administration, there is no plan. With a half a billion dollar budget, Monmouth County residents deserve more than public appearances and Facebook postings. Todays’ hard times, demand action, courage and urgency, not old-time politics.
Regards,
Tom Markowski
Posted: September 25th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Monmouth County Freeholders, Tom Markowski | 14 Comments »
By Freeholder Thomas Arnone, Monmouth County
The shared services initiatives spearheaded by Monmouth County government have been extremely successful. Under often difficult circumstances, the county has provided key services and recorded very significant cost savings to local partners.
It is estimated the county has saved municipalities millions of dollars through successful sharing of 911 dispatch, public works assistance, Planning Board, cooperative purchasing, information technology and digital records management, among others.
For example, one municipality publicly reported an estimated savings of more than $600,000 per year by participating in the county shared services dispatch program conducted through the Sheriff’s Office. I am pleased to report Neptune Township recently joined the county’s shared services dispatch program, which will save local taxpayers $1 million over the life of the agreement and generate $1.8 million in revenue for the county over the same period, helping to offset expenses and hold the line on taxes.
Monmouth County shares services with all 53 municipalities in an effort to reduce local costs through strong community partnerships. The success of the initial program has allowed for expansion into additional partnerships with police departments, fire departments, first aid squads, authorities, commissions and public schools and institutions of higher learning.
Recently, I instructed our shared services staff to perform a Web-based survey of municipal partners that will serve as a catalyst to an expanded shared services program. This comprehensive survey, which is being conducted now, will help solidify the focus of the program going forward. Based upon the survey responses, the county will continue to streamline and improve its outreach, education and implementation methods to best serve the needs of the community.
The initial response from the survey has been overwhelmingly positive in favor of increasing shared services and expanding the county outreach program. For example, initial responses indicate 100 percent of respondents would consider increasing their use of shared services if the county provided the service at a cost that is less than they currently pay, allowing them to deliver quality services to their constituents at a reduced cost.
Ninety percent of respondents who have used Monmouth County’s shared services stated they are extremely likely or very likely to use the services again in the near future. Nearly 52 percent of respondents stated they first learned of shared services from a Monmouth County shared services representative, from the county shared services Web site or by attending a county shared services seminar or educational outreach event.
Further initial responses showed 100 percent have considered implementing shared services in their own town in an effort to reduce costs. Ninety-six percent of respondents said they would benefit from access to a centralized county Web-based database and interactive posting site and 96 percent said they would have strong interest in attending county sponsored shared services seminars and speaker series.
A large majority indicated a “user fee” was the most attractive way for their organization to pay for shared services, solidifying the county model of covering costs, providing quality services and generating revenues.
Under my leadership, Monmouth County shared services will continue to offer top-quality services to its local partners. Due to economies of scale, the county’s fee-based business model often will provide these services for less than what it would cost a town or school district to do the work themselves, or what it would cost an outside provider to do it, therefore saving taxpayers money.
In addition, the county will be able to offset its costs by pursuing increased revenue opportunities through the newly developing fee-based system. In today’s economic climate, shared services have ceased to be an option and have indeed become a necessity if governments are to deliver top quality services to constituents at more affordable costs.
The new two percent cap and rising institutional costs such as health care and pensions will make the upcoming budget year perhaps the most difficult ever. With true leadership and courage we must continue to tackle these difficult issues head on.
I will not be deterred by the criticism of those who seek self service over progress. Together, we must seize this moment in history to continue to expand shared services if we are to reduce the heavy tax burden on New Jersey citizens and preserve the high quality of life we all have come to enjoy in Monmouth County.
Posted: June 10th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County | Tags: Monmouth County Freeholders, Shared Services, Thomas Arnone | Comments Off on To Reduce Tax Burden, Shared Services Are A Necessity
By Art Gallagher
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution that would establish term limits for volunteers who serve on autonomous county boards and commissions.
The county has seven such boards and commissions; the Parks Commission, Mosquito Commission, Library Commission, Board of Health, Monmouth County Improvement Authority, Bayshore Regional Outfall Authority and the Brookdale Board of Trustees.
If the resolution is approved, boards whose members have terms of three years will be limited to four consecutive terms. Those boards with four year terms will be limited to three consecutive terms. Boards whose members are appointed for five years will be limited to two terms.
The resolution allows for former board members to apply for different boards when they are term limited out and to reapply to the board they served on after sitting out a full term.
The resolution will go into effect on May 1, 2012, if approved.
Posted: April 26th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County | Tags: Monmouth County Freeholders, Term Limits | 13 Comments »
WALL TOWNSHIP – Wall Township Committeeman and former Mayor George K. Newberry announced that he is seeking the Republican nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder.
“Being born and growing up in Monmouth County, I know first-hand what a tremendous jewel Monmouth County is. It is with that value in my heart for this County that I announce my candidacy for Freeholder,” he says.
“I believe I demonstrated as Mayor and as a Wall Township Committee member that I have the experience, knowledge and values to be an effective member of our Freeholder team, and I ask for the support of my party to place my name on the ballot,” he adds.
Newberry says that thanks to many decades of Republican leadership, Monmouth County is envied for having a high bond rating, low county taxes and the finest parks, recreational programs and library services. He says he plans to continue on the strong foundation laid by previous administrations and use his many years of business experience overseeing multi-million dollar budgets and large commercial projects as a member of the Freeholder Board.
“Today’s tough economic times call for vision and experience in controlling spending and waste. In continually controlling costs the Freeholder Board must keep in their vision what Monmouth County has become and make sure the high level of regard many have for Monmouth will remain. I promised the people of Wall and will promise the residents and businesses of Monmouth County that as I work toward efficiencies in budgets and they look in the future at the town they know and the County they love those places will be no less than what they envision them to be today. As a senior project manager for a large contracting company, I have hands-on experience negotiating contracts, budgeting, managing a large staff and making a dollar go further,” he says.
Living in Wall Township and working for 25 years in the Bay Shore area, as well as assisting his Father, who until his recent passing, lived in Cream Ridge, has given Newberry a bird’s eye view of the County on a daily basis for many years.
Newberry, age 55, traces his heritage back at least five generations in Monmouth County. He has been married to his wife Jeanne, formerly of Rumson, for 35 years. They have a son, Bill, and daughter, Beth.
Mr. Newberry has been a member of the Wall Fire Company #1 since 1988 and served as Chief for five years. A member of Wall Kiwanis, he was named VFW Citizen of Merit in 1996 and Wall Township Citizen of the Year in 2005. He was the second gentleman to serve as president of his local PTA in his 120 year old elementary school and is a participant of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association as well as St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ocean Grove. He has volunteered with The National Park service in West Orange and served as a member on the Wall Township planning board as well as rent stabilization board. Newberry has been a member of IBEW Local 400 electrical workers union since 1977.
Posted: February 16th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Monmouth County Republican Committee, Press Release | Tags: George Newberry, Monmouth County Freeholders, Monmouth GOP | 4 Comments »
By Art Gallagher

Sheriff Shaun Golden and Jim Gray celebrate Manalapan's reorganization. Photo credit: Rhoda Chodosh
Jim Gray, the former clerk of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is considering a bid for the GOP nomination for Freeholder.
The long term Manalapan resident served as clerk of the board from 2000 through November 1st of last year when he retired. Gray served 15 years on the Manalapan Township Committee, including 5 years as mayor. Prior to his service in Monmouth County government, he was director of administration for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities during the Whitman/DiFrancesco administrations.
Gray told MMM that he is honored that people of raised the question of a freeholder candidacy to him, but that he has not made any commitments.
Posted: January 10th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County | Tags: Jim Gray, Monmouth County Freeholders | 5 Comments »
By Art Gallagher
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.
Posted: January 4th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County | Tags: Monmouth County Freeholders | 13 Comments »
By Art Gallagher
Freeholder Deputy Director Rob Clifton will be chosen by his colleagues to serve as Freeholder Director when the board reorganizes in January.
Freeholder John Curley and Freeholder-elect Tom Arnone told MMM that they support Clifton for the position. Curley said that it is his understanding that current Director Lillian Burry also is supportive of Clifton filling the position. Clifton confirmed that he has the unanimous support of his fellow Republican Freeholders. Burry has yet to respond to MMM’s calls on the matter.
There is not yet a consensus as to who will be Deputy Director. Curley said he he would like the position but speculated that Burry might also want it. Arone, who will be sworn in for his first term in January, will defer to his senior colleagues to work it out. Clifton said, “we’re still meeting on that.”
Freeholder Amy Mallet, will be the lone Democrat serving on the board next year. As a minority party member, she would not be expected to be selected for a leadership position.
The Freeholder Director presides over meetings of the board and signs legal documents for the county.
The county budget is Clifton’s top priority. “Smaller and less expensive government is our objective, while providing residents with the services they have come to expect and that they pay for,” said Clifton, “The expansion of shared services with Monmouth County municipalities and school boards, as well as with other counties will enable us to reduce costs and improve the quality of services.”
The terms of Burry and Mallet both expire this year. Burry is expected to seek a third term. There has been speculation that Mallet will run for Assembly, depending upon how the legislative districts are redrawn. She a candidate for Assembly in the 12th legislative district in 2007 and sought the nomination in 2005.
Posted: December 7th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County | Tags: Amy Mallet, Monmouth County Freeholders, Rob Clifton | 1 Comment »
The Asbury Park Press endorsed Tom Arnone and Janice Venables for Monouth County Freeholder yesterday. Their reasoning? That Rob Clifton and John D’Amico have been in office too long.
Today the Nudniks endorsed Rush Holt for Congress in CD-12. Holt has been in office longer than Clifton and D’Amico.
Not surprisingly, the APP needs a history lesson. They said that Rob Clifton is the last vestige of the GOP’s “good old boy” network. Clifton’s first candidacy was actually the beginning of the end of the “good old boy” network when he was Amy Handlin’s running mate in 2004.
More than most politicians, Clifton has been a faithful and humble public servant, consistently putting the people before his ambitions. As the longest serving Freeholder, “Robby” has served through a tumultuous political environment over the last six years and avoided ambition driven infighting .
Clifton’s experience and his level headed demeanor will be an important dynamic on the Freeholder Board next year.
Posted: October 18th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Monmouth County Freeholders, Rob Clifton, Tom Arnone | 1 Comment »