Acropolis the best person to replace Mancini
(Open letter to Ocean County Republican Committee)
It is with great sorrow that we said farewell to our friend, Freeholder Jim Mancini. He set the benchmark for leadership in Ocean County and for his life of public service, and we thank him and his family for the sacrifices they made.
Now we are faced with the responsibility of selecting a leader to fill the seat that Freeholder Mancini has left vacant. On Dec. 9, the county committee will meet and vote under the leadership of Republican Chairman George Gilmore. As a voting member of the county committee, I, too, will cast a ballot for that person who has the proven leadership skills to join the freeholder board and continue the good work representing all the residents of Ocean County.
My choice for freeholder will be Stephen Acropolis, who is a councilman from Brick Township. Stephen is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has been a youth leader with local sports and civic organizations. As the senior member of the Brick Township Council, Steve has said no to higher taxes and has showed a level of caring through his public service that has set the benchmark in Brick for future leaders. He has been a lifelong resident of Ocean County and, through his involvement, understands the needs of our county.
I’m sure that some of the leadership in Ocean County may not consider Stephen Acropolis "next in line." In fact, many have said the seat vacated on the freeholder board was a "southern seat" and should be filled by someone from the southern part of Ocean County. Thinking like this is not healthy for the Republican Party in Ocean County because we have seen that candidates selected in the past, based upon these standards, can lose elections and may not be the best to serve.
We have the chance to vote for the best leader available to represent all of Ocean County and carry forward the vision of caring and public service that Freeholder Jim Mancini taught us. I respectfully ask you to join with me and select Stephen Acropolis for freeholder on Dec. 9.
Don’t cast a vote for those deemed "next in line." Choose a person based upon their proven service, independence and leadership. With those standards, your choice will be an easy one.
John Barrett
past president
Ocean County Young
Republican Organization