Peters, Lucas and Little Call for Office of Shared Services

For Immediate ReleaseAugust 1, 2006
Contact: Adam Puharic732-431-6664

Office is key to consolidating purchases, lowering costs and duplication

Freehold, NJ – Monmouth County Republican candidates Rosemarie Peters, Andrew Lucas, and Freeholder Anna Little today called for the creation of an office of shared services within the county improvement authority.
“Monmouth County is already a leader in promoting shared services among its municipalities,” said Freeholder Anna Little, who is running for re-election. “Our improvement authority is a great example. Since becoming Freeholder, I've been looking for ways that to build on that success. In the absence of State aid, we must do all we can to assist municipal government by improving efficiencies and providing the most we can for every tax dollar.”
Peters, Lucas, and Little said they would use county purchasing power to assist municipalities in acquiring vehicles, equipment, and supplies at a lower cost. They also are calling on more municipalities to make use of Monmouth County’s AAA bond rating, and the lower borrowing costs that towns can gain from the highest credit rating.
“While serving on council in Manalapan, we were able to use the Improvement Authority’s pooled leasing program, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars in bonding fees,” said candidate for Freeholder Andrew Lucas. “We are currently looking into increased cost sharing with our school district and surrounding towns.”
All three candidates said they would draw in their experience as local office holders in developing this new office and outlining its function.
“As a former councilwoman in the county’s largest municipality, I know first hand the struggles in balancing the cost of services and need for providing those services,” said Rosemarie Peters, candidate for Surrogate. “An office of shared service within the county improvement authority will go a long way toward consolidating services and keeping cost low by maximizing every taxpayer penny.”
Peters, Lucas, and Little called for the creation of a county office of shared services, with existing budget dollars, to assist municipalities in making the best use of the cost savings available. The office of shared services would focus on group purchasing, efficiency, and the use of next generation technology.
“With the current financial crisis facing the State, we know that we need to find new and expand existing efficiencies,” Freeholder Little said. “By creating this office, within an existing government entity, and without the need for additional tax dollars, we will be able to provide more and spend less tax dollars,” Freeholder Little concluded.
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Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664