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November 16^th, 2015 – Freehold Township Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano stepped in for the scheduled speaker, John Curly, Monmouth County Freeholder, who was unable to attend because of illness.

Mr. Ammiano, being newly reelected to the Freehold Township Committee, spoke about the dynamics of the recent election campaign. While he and Mayor Thomas Cook were reelected to the Township Committee, and John Curley and Christine Giordano Hanlon, were also successful for their county positions, the candidates for the New Jersey Assembly, Caroline Casagrande and Mary Pat Angelini were not.

Both he and Mr. Cook felt that the anticipated low voter turnout, and State issues related to the Governor strongly contended by PACs, while not the only factor, was major factor in their defeat. Mr. Ammiano felt that perhaps more visibility of these candidates in certain municipalities may have overcome the close margins in their outcomes.

Messrs. Ammiano and Cook thanked everyone for their support, and were looking forward to the upcoming year, along with the rest of the Township Committee, Messrs. Lester Preston,and David Salkin, and Ms. Barbara McMurrow, in continuing to make Freehold Township a model place for its residents.

Club Board Member Corey Folta announced that the December meeting would be suspended for the upcoming holidays and that telephone calls, email and text messages, along with posts on the Freehold Township Republican Club Website and Facebook will announce the speaker and details of the January 18^th, 2016 meeting.

October 26^th, 2015 – Christine Giordano Hanlon, Monmouth County Clerk, returned to the Freehold Township Republican Club as the key guest speaker to bring attendees up to date with the four major services of the Clerk’s office as well as other programs offered.

The first and perhaps the most important is the recording office. With about 30 employees, it is responsible for accepting, recording and filing any document related to property within the county and make them available to the public.

The function generates $55 million in revenues each year in fees that are shared between the State and the County for their respective operating expenses.

Second function described is archiving of present and historic records for preservation. These are stored in the basement of the County Library in Manalapan and currently consist of about 27 boxes of county, court, town, etc., records. Some include deeds going back to the 1600’s. Of interest is recently surfaced 250,000 negatives from the Red Bank Register Newspaper. These are being reviewed and indexed by staff and volunteers with the expectation of making them available online.

Additionally, the County Clerk is responsible for Passport service provided as a convenience, for a charge, through its two offices in Freehold and Neptune.

And finally, along with the Superintendent of Elections and the Board of Elections, the County Clerk is responsible for about a third of the election process. Tabulating, handling the “Vote by Mail” program, providing ballots and handling Candidate Petitions are provided through the office all year long which includes more than general elections, such as Boards of Education, Special Elections, Fire Districts, to name a few.

Ms. Hanlon presented three initiates she has been working on since taking office as the County Clerk from the former retired County Clerk, Claire French. One is an elections website called http://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com. This represents the first county internet source for almost everything one may need from registering to vote, becoming a poll worker, requesting a ballot, finding where to vote, and getting up-to-date detailed election results, and quite a bit more.

Another recent initiative is a Monmouth County Veteran Discount Guide. Along with the Freeholders, and especially John Curley, its liaison to the Monmouth County Veteran’s Service Office, Ms. Hanlon recently announced the ‘Honoring our Heroes” program for more than 30,000 veterans of the county. The new military appreciation program, provides a way for local businesses to honor the Veterans and help them save money. They may qualify by simply showing their Monmouth County Veteran’s ID cards. Obtaining one is also a program of the Clerk’s office, and can be effortlessly obtained by bringing in a NJ Driver’s License and an original DD-214 “Report of Separation” to the County Clerk’s Freehold office or the Neptune Monmouth County Connection. You can read more in the following recently published article, http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2015/10/monmouth_county_businesses_to_offer_veteran_discou.html.

Christine concluded by describing the Monmouth Mobile County Connection program where teaming up with the Sheriff and the Surrogate, go through different parts of the Monmouth County offering services to people within their own municipalities who can’t easily get around the county. With eight past events, the plan is to do more in the future. More recent information link to the following:  http://co.monmouth.nj.us/PressDetail.aspx?ID=2185.

More complete services information can be found on the following webpage: http://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=125

As always, Ms. Hanlon cordially stayed on to answer question.

September 28^th, 2015 – Monmouth County Surrogate Rosemary D. Peters, Esq., spoke to a very well attended meeting of Freehold Township Republican Club.

She discussed the complexity of the issues addressed within the Surrogate’s office, how it serves County residents and beyond, and plans for its future.

Giving an extremely informative presentation of many matters we need to be aware when it comes to passing along assets, and what we should know were we to be involved in handling an estate of our loved ones. She provided many valuable tips and pointers about wills and probate and as surrogate, Rosemary and her office has authored several publications to assist citizens.

  Personal Record        A Citizen’s Guide to Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Both are available, free of charge, online at: http://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=3891

As well as many other forms at: http://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=1761

 

Ms. Peters, is a graduate of Brookdale Community College, Thomas A. Edison State College and Rutgers School of Law-Newark.

She is serving in her second term as Monmouth County Surrogate and was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to serve on its Judiciary-Surrogate Liaison Committee. Ms. Peters also serves as Vice President of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey and chief of its Surrogates Section.

Before being elected Surrogate, Rosemary was a member of the Middletown Township Committee for 18 years, four of them as Mayor and three as Deputy Mayor. She is also a former member of the Middletown Township Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. She initiated and chaired the township’s Open Space Preservation Committee and is the founder, past president, and a current trustee of the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council.

In addition to her public service, she worked as Director of Public Relations for the McCall Publishing Co., New York City, as well as a cable TV and video producer, an advertising and public relations copywriter, and a freelance writer and editor.

 

 

 

 

REMEMBERING THE HONOR OF SERVING, AND THOSE WHO SERVED

 

 

Freehold Township’s Honor Guards

Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Thomas Cook

Major Roeder’s Presentation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When thinking about the legendary Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, the reputation for leading New Jersey with innovation and attentiveness to its citizens is resounding. Building upon that standing is Christine Hanlon’s daunting effort she faces every day as the newly appointed County Clerk replacing Claire French who retired in March 2015.

While Ms. Hanlon could easily sit back and glide along with our former County Clerk Claire French’s milestones, Christine as the current County Clerk is creating new defining moments.

Under her leadership, the Clerk’s Office is responsible for an enormous amount of work from recording property deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.; business documents such as trade names and contracts; overseeing elections; filing notices; handling applications for passports, processing veteran ID’s; archiving and keeping historic records; and performing weddings, just to name a few.

Christine comes well equipped for the job as an Attorney of over 20 years most recently with one of New Jersey’s largest law firms, her focus has been on government and municipal law. She has been a Commissioner on the Monmouth County Board of Elections and President of the Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce.

Christine has always worked hard toward excellence through her education at top institutions graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, and receiving her law degree from Fordham University. 

She was a Law Clerk to a Chief United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York, and served as a member of the Arson and Economic Crime Unit in the capacity of Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, New York, prosecuting white collar, narcotics and violent felony cases.

Claire French has spoken of her confidence in Christine’s ability, now we need to come out vote for Christine Hanlon either at the poll or by mail-in ballot to assure the continuing reputation of Monmouth County leading New Jersey.

 

“This is getting to be a little outrageous to me, as well as in the minds of many residents and commuters,” Beck said. “Just five years ago, NJ Transit increased fares by 25%. Now they have come back with another plan for a 9% increase in fares, paired with service cuts. Residents in my district, who overwhelmingly use NJ Transit if they are commuting into North Jersey or New York City, shouldn’t be saddled with constantly increasing fares. These residents deserve better.”

 

May 6^th, 2015 – The first excerpt of Guest Speaker, Senator Jennifer Beck of the New Jersey Legislature representing District 11, comments at the April 27^th Freehold Township Republican Club meeting.

 [Author’s note – Senator Beck presented a great deal of candid and very insightful information in her remarks. Therefore, in order to do justice to all she offered, this update will be spread in a number of postings over a period of time. Please come back each time for more. Your comments are welcome and will be passed along to Senator Beck.]

The Senator presented and answered questions regarding expected poor voter turnout for the upcoming election; the impact of public employee pension and health benefits on the NJ budget; funding the Transportation Trust Fund and potential of a gas tax; education reform and more.

Senator Jennifer Beck stood for well over an hour to the largest turnout in quite some time. Unlike the turnout for this meeting, she began her comments with concern of the “oddness” of the upcoming election season. Reminding the group that during the 2011 election, when redistricting created the new district 11, she, Mary Pat Angelini, and Caroline Casagrande faced a low 28% voter turnout. This time however, with the State Assembly leading the ticket, only a lower 20% turnout is expected. Those highly educated and followers of politics expect a negative aura for Republicans considering the usual polling levels of a governor’s 6^th year at the close of his office and press reporting of the Bridge Gate indictments over the summer.

The best results in raising turnout would be a campaign strategy targeted to encourage citizen voting, those who voted in the last 3 or 4 general elections and the handful of individuals who have special interests. Senator Beck offered her readiness to assist candidates both financially and with her traditionally effective walking tours to meet their respective constituents.

In addition, of the “three things most often” making the press recently, she began her remarks regarding the growing budget.  As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, she is acutely aware of the issues. The Senator indicated that while the state government has grappled with two billion less discretionary dollars since the 2008 budget, overall it is still growing “completely due” to obligations of providing pension and health benefits to New Jersey public employees.

New Jersey’s “Platinum Plan” makes it the 3^rd richest health benefit plan in the country. In addition, the Northeast’s medical expenses are high and contribute to the extraordinary cost. The average yearly price of the public employee’s family plan is between $26,000 and $36,000, with the vast majority funded by tax payers. While understandably complaining when the reality of their contribution increases hit after the 2010 benefit reforms, they “don’t come close” to what private sector employees contribute.

Further, should a full pension payment be made to the public employees plan, and the required funding of the healthcare program, 23% of a thirty-four billion dollar budget will “just go to funding” benefits. And the “scary thing” is that’s almost a quarter of the budget. “It is not sustainable” according to Senator Beck. We are headed to a day when the pension can become bankrupt, and as such, they will say “we are going to give you 25 cents on the dollar”. The Senator is “disappointed the teacher’s union walked away from the table” in spite of “a road map we had started to discuss.” The road map kept current employees to what they had, and a reviewed potential different tracks in terms of changing retirement and health plans going forward.

We can work together to fix it for the almost 500,000 active and retired employees, or it will resolve itself. “It could come to employees relying on certain pension dollars”, that “it is not going to be there”. This year $1.3 billion will be put in the budget as a pension payment. Senator Beck doesn’t believe it fair to blame Governor Christie for the problem when he has funded the pension at the highest level since any of the last five governors. While the court did not order the payment be paid for the last year, it has directed that the problem of funding be figured out by going back to negotiate with the public employees union.

In spite of attempts, as of last week the state was sued to fully fund the pension at $3.3 billion. The Senator expressed that “it just doesn’t exist”. She stated that even should the millionaire’s tax be raised, it would only bring in only $600 to $700 million, and she wasn’t sure where the additional $2.7 billion would come from. That thinking is “folly” and she has difficulty understanding the “lunacy” of representatives of the state legislature, Senate President and the Assembly Speaker, as sponsors of the budget, joining in the law suit against the state of New Jersey. While putting the budget together, they are suing themselves, which adds to the current “chaos”. But have faith, they will be working to resolve this as in many others state’s and municipalities are grappling with similar issues.

[The next postings will continue with Senator Beck’s presentation which includes comments on funding the Transportation Trust Fund and potential of a gas tax; education reform and more]

FREEHOLD AIRPORT – Gateway to?

What, you haven’t heard that Freehold has an airport? Well rest assured, there is such a thing. You can in fact join the Nutmeg Club Association of Freehold at their open house on Sunday, May 31st and even win a free glider ride. They’ve been around since 1956. Or, you might want to attend the 2015 Blue Grass Event in August sponsored by the Freehold Airport Association.

If you are planning to visit Freehold Airport, the trip will probably take 2½ hours from Freehold. That’s because Freehold Airport is in the Catskill region of New York. Yes, the airport is in Freehold, New York.

So if you’re inclined to visit as I have, check out the website for the Nutmeg Association or The Freehold Airport Association.

Just a few things to help you spend a nice day –

41st Annual Monmouth County Fair – Rain or Shine, You’ll All Have a Great Time”–

Wednesday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 26th.  – 5:00 – 11:00PM Weekdays; 3-11:00PM on Saturday; 11:00AM – 6:00PM on Sunday

Food, Shows, Contests, Face Painting, Rides, Entertainment, and much, muc more. Guaranteed to have aa good time and get tired. . See link for more details

 

The Great Auditorium at Ocean Grove–

If you’ve never been at an event in the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, you need to add this to your “Beach Blanket List”. Unlike like the “Bucket List”, you’ll want to do this as many times as possible. Ocean Grove is a lovely area just south of Asbury Park, offering a few quint restaurants and shops, and an easy stroll on the newly post Sandy reconstructed boardwalk. And of course, one must stop at Nagles for an ice cream treat.

There are many things to do from rummage sales, art & crafts festivals, vintage car shows. See link for more details

 

 

Lake Topanemus Park

Whichever way it’s pronounced, it should mean “a nice quiet place to get away to” just for relaxation, watching the birds and fishers. However, if you want to and the serenity, ask a local if it is in the Borough or Township. Open daily, for free if you help keep it clean and follow a few modest rules.

As described by the described by the Lake Topanemus Park Commission

Lake Topanemus Park is a 71-acre site with abundant natural beauty. The park has been a long time favorite spot for those who like to fish, jog, bike, boat, picnic, walk, and bird watch. Many folks just use the park to relax in a tranquil setting full of trees, flowers and wildlife. The care of the park is overseen by the Lake Topanemus Park Commission.

 April 4, 2015 – FREEHOLD’S OWN – ARTHUR KONDRUP

Arthur R Kondrup, born in Jersey City, graduated from Seton Hall University majoring in industrial management, and then received an MBA from New York University, He is also a former member of the Freehold Township Committee serving as mayor five times, and is a well-known face who has brought much to our area.

It’s always a thrill sitting next to Arthur and his spouse Patricia, who have been married for over 61 years, in a restaurant watching locals coming up and saying nice things to them. Pleasantries such as, “Gee Art, it’s great to see you and Pat looking so well.” Or, “Remember us, you married us in town hall”; “Great speech when you presented me with the award”; Mom and Dad wanted me to say hello”; and other expressions of familiarity. The fun is watching Arthur try to convince those coming forward that he actually knows who they were. A true master politician.

Art and Pat raised their 5 children in Freehold, who also blessed them with 10 grandchildren and step grandchildren. In addition, they’ve continued the Kondrup standing in their individual successful paths as a retired member and now a consultant to the Prosecutors Office; a highly respected financial advisor First Vice President at Morgan Stanley; a 911 dispatcher for the New Jersey State Police, a Superior Court Judge in Monmouth County, and a Financial Executive with AIG.

Arthur has served his family and community very well. He introduced information technology to the New York/New Jersey Port of Authority while there in the 1950’s. In his Masters papers he forecasted the proliferation of computers to a personal level, when only mainframe computers were the norm and required a sizeable staff to operate them. Also in the 1950’s. After his tenure on the Township Committee, Art expanded his public service as the first chairman of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and Deputy Commissioner of DEP, as well as serving on many Boards and Committees. He returned to the private sector in executive positions for firms such Shoprite Supermarkets and Hovnanian Builders. He fostered the introduction of the Freehold Raceway Mall and as Chairman of Freehold Area Hospital, led its transition to what has become CentraState Healthcare System. Arthur steered restoring the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce to its current place as the Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce. He finally retired to become a southern gentlemen where he and Pat continue to live in Freehold Township and occasional spend time at the family home in Salisbury, North Carolina.

So if you find yourself running into Arthur, say on Kondrup Way as it crosses Route 33 getting a cone at Dairy Queen, or a sub at Sorrento’s, or hopefully staying out of trouble at the Prosecutor’s Office, say hello to Arthur and watch him struggle remembering your name. You’ll enjoy his often heard expression, “High Guy”.