HAZLET- Following Republican Presidential front runner Donald Trump’s repeated calls to reinstitute waterboarding as a means of interrogation and additional torture methods, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal and Monmouth County Democratic candidate for Sheriff Jeff Cantor, a 30-year military veteran, released the following statement asking Monmouth County Republican Chairman and County Sheriff Shaun Golden if he supports Trump for President.
“Like millions across the world, we were appalled to see the most recent atrocities carried out by those who would seek to plunge our world into chaos and violence. We want to see everyone involved brought to justice and punished so they may shed light on any other potential plots against humanity. However, in a civilized society, torture can never be the answer. The fact that the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for President, Donald Trump, proudly stands in favor of torturing suspects is truly disturbing.”
Given the fact that Golden holds two very important and influential roles in Monmouth County, both Gopal and Canto feel that this unorthodox question is appropriate.
“Serving as Monmouth County Sheriff, Shaun Golden is the top law enforcement official in Monmouth County, and county residents deserve to know if he stands in support of someone who strongly and proudly advocates in favor of torture. As the Monmouth County Republican Chairman, Shaun Golden most certainly needs to take into consideration the fact that the head of the Republican Party in New Jersey, Chris Christie, has been among Donald Trump’s most outspoken supporters. While these two positions may be at odds, it is time for Shaun Golden to let everyone know if he stands in support of Donald Trump. We would appreciate the Chairman’s answer before his hand-picked Freeholder candidates pass the budget for his Sheriff’s Department tonight.”
Jeff Cantor previously announced his candidacy for Monmouth County Sheriff. Cantor has been in the U.S. Army, both active and in the reserves, since 1985. He has served our country around the world, including deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. After starting as a Private First Class, Cantor rose through the ranks and has earned the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserves. His many medals include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.