John P. Curley took the reins of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders on Jan. 5 at Monmouth County’s annual Organization Day held at Biotechnology High School, Freehold Township, pledging to hold the line on spending and provide more oversight over county government.
“I will not entertain any new taxes; I will not remain silent in accepting the status quo, and I will not allow government to expand,” Curley said after becoming director of the board. “We will find every spare dime to give the residents of Monmouth County a more affordable and efficient government.”
Curley also will seek to increase privatization of county services, cap management salaries at $141,000, sell the county’s two health care facilities and privatize two county golf courses.
Freeholders Lillian G. Burry and Gary J. Rich Sr. were sworn in to office on Jan. 5. Burry begins her third three-year term; for Rich, it is his first. Also, Rosemarie D. Peters was sworn in to her second five-year term as county surrogate.
Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone was selected to serve as deputy director of the board. Arnone said he looks forward to continuing the county’s long-term commitment to improving the local economy through the Grow Monmouth initiative, and to strengthening partnerships with all 53 Monmouth County towns in the area of shared services. Burry said she sees a future where there are job opportunities for Fort Monmouth’s displaced workers, a strong and viable horse industry, and the Monmouth County Park System reaching its goal of preserving 20,000 acres.
“It is a future that calls for boldness and prudence as we continue to work through challenging economic realities,” Burry said. “I believe it is this balance that has kept us strong and able to sustain aAAAbond rating when the federal government could not.”
Rich, of Spring Lake, pledged to work to bring more businesses to Monmouth County, look for efficiencies in government and improve services to county residents.
“It is my proud honor to stand before you as your county freeholder,” Rich said. “There will be challenges ahead, but we will overcome those challenges. I look forward to working with this board of freeholders to do what is best for the residents of Monmouth County.”
Robert Clifton has resigned from the Board of Freeholders following his election to the stateAssembly.
On Jan. 14, Monmouth County Republican representatives elected Holmdel Township Committeewoman Serena DiMaso to take Clifton’s seat. Republicans have 5-0 control of the freeholder board.