Category: Independent News
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GOP chair asks officials to resign
Niemann says time has come for new ethics, campaign finance laws BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer FREEHOLD — In the wake of last week’s federal sting that resulted in the arrest of 11 public officials, including seven Republicans, Monmouth County GOP Chairman Frederick P. Niemann is trying to restore…
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Hazlet committee calls on mayor to step down
Attorney says Coughlin plans to plead not guilty to extortion charges BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer Paul Coughlin HAZLET — In a township that has seen its fair share of political upheaval over the years, Paul Coughlin could be considered somewhat of an anomaly. He was recently selected by his peers…
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Local politicians feel the heat from arrests
Those with no connection say they must work to restore public faith BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG Staff Writer BY MICHELLE ROSENBERGStaff Writer Many Bayshore area politicians have described their recent emotions as shocked, angry and disappointed. Some have even described themselves as feeling betrayed. The cause for all this negative commotion is the recent arrest of…
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Police chief retires, cites rift with administrator
Two men clashed over whether to guard polling places on Election Day BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Police Chief John Pollinger retired on Monday, declaring Township Administrator Robert Czech “morally corrupt.” “I refuse to answer one more memorandum or work one more day for a man I…
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Eagles perch at Statehouse
12-0 South football team honored by governor in Trenton BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer DAN NEWMAN From left to right, state Assemblymen Sam Thompson (with glasses), Joe Azzolina and senior co-captain Rob Kelly in front of the state Assembly while receiving a proclamation celebrating Middletown High School South’s 12-0 perfect record…
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Superintendent inks contract extension
BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG Staff Writer BY MICHELLE ROSENBERGStaff Writer ABERDEEN — The superintendent of schools will be sticking around for quite a while. Bruce Quinn recently signed a new contract, making him the superintendent until June 30, 2009. “I’m thrilled to be here, helping to improve the lives of my neighbors’ children,” Quinn said. He…
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BCC pitches brick sale buyers won’t ‘Regret’
Engraved pavers will be placed by statue of Kentucky Derby winner BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The Kentucky Derby is one of the most historic sporting events on the calendar, and part of what makes it so huge is its longevity. Besides its staying power — the race debuted…
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Freeholders to vote on $435M spending plan
BY DICK METZGAR Staff Writer BY DICK METZGARStaff Writer The cost of running Monmouth County continues to rise steadily, but the county’s tax rate has continued to decrease at the same time. The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders recently introduced a $435,548,909 spending package for 2005, an increase of $19.6 million, or 4.7 percent, over…
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Officer: No conflict exists with OEM role
BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer KEYPORT — Police Officer Kenneth Marr Jr. defended his recent mayoral appointment as coordinator to the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), addressing concerns about his character and his position as both a police officer and coordinator. “I would not outrank the chief of police…
