BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — Amy Handlin and Robert Clifton were sworn in to the all-Republican Monmouth County Board of Freeholders at a reorganization meeting last week.
State Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson administered the oath of office to both freeholders, as well as to Joseph Oxley, who is beginning his fourth three-year term as sheriff.
Handlin, of Middletown, has been a member of the freeholders board since 1989 and is entering her sixth three-year term. She said that throughout her experience, she has realized there is a light at the end of every tunnel, and she will continue to work hard to shine that light on all of Monmouth County’s issues.
Clifton, of Matawan, is serving his first term. He said he is honored to be part of a board that has accomplished so much, and he plans to work equally as hard. Clifton listed taxes and the preservation of open space among his top priorities.
“As a member of this board, I will continue with what the board has already been doing,” he said. “I look forward to serving all the residents of Monmouth County.”
Clifton extended thanks to the residents of Matawan and members of the Borough Council, most of whom were in attendance at the meeting, for all of their support. Clifton fought back tears as he acknowledged recently deceased Matawan Councilman Joseph Penniplede, who served as one of his political mentors.
“I would like to send out a message to Councilman Joe Penniplede, who we lost on Dec. 26. Joe is with us in spirit,” he said.
Clifton was expected to step down as Matawan’s mayor in order to concentrate on his duties as a freeholder early this month, but pushed back his resignation due to Penniplede’s death.
Matawan officials have 15 days from the date of Penniplede’s death to fill his seat on the council. Once that situation is resolved, Clifton will officially step down from his position as mayor.
Oxley is beginning his fourth term as sheriff, a position he has held since January 1996. Oxley said his top priority over the next three years is the safety of Monmouth County residents, and that he will ensure the county remains a beautiful place to live and raise a family.
Oxley said that this year he will focus on working with the freeholders and the county public works department to put together a communications center.
The freeholders elected Thomas Powers as their new director, and appointed members to head the county’s various departments. Among them, Powers will be in charge of public works and engineering; Handlin, finance; Clifton, human services, health and transportation; William Barham, who recently filled the seat of the retired Harry Larrison, will head the administration of justice and parks; and Theodore Narozanick will handle administration and special services.