A call to action. Your help is needed!

06/26/2007

Monmouth County Republicans need to pass the strongest pay-to-play restriction in the State of New Jersey. The current resolutions presented to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, as reported in the Asbury Park Press, fail to meet this level of reform at best, or at worst are purposefully drafted to gain partisan advantage in the upcoming campaign cycle.
The Monmouth County Republican Committee calls on all Freeholders to do what is right for residents regardless of their political stripe, return these resolutions to the bipartisan committee, and produce a strengthened draft that it is fair, comprehensive and bulletproof. Republicans want a revised resolution passed before the end of the summer.
First, our resolution must ban the practice of wheeling, not just from within Monmouth County as has been proposed, but from out-of-county too, which is where the real problem exists. The current resolutions do not prohibit state or county political committees from outside of Monmouth County from making large contributions to candidates and committees in Monmouth County, which will have the unintended consequences of placing even-greater power within the hands of bosses in Trenton and elsewhere.
Specifically, during the last few election cycles, Monmouth County Democrats received tens of thousands of dollars from places like Camden County in a thinly-veiled attempt to undermine the will of Monmouth County voters. The current resolutions curiously neglect any attempt to address this serious problem. Last minute, under-the-radar campaign funding contributes to voter apathy by fueling negative attack ads and empowering the politics of personal destruction. This is a serious flaw that substantially benefits Democrat politicians and allows them to continue a business-as-usual approach with Trenton party bosses influencing local elections here in Monmouth County.
Second, huge union contributions from as far as Washington, DC have found their way into Monmouth County in recent years. These contributions do not represent the will of union members who are not asked to whom their union dues go to. Instead, they are coordinated and directed by political bosses and developers to curry favor for their next project. This is no different than corporate contributions being directed to local elections for the purposes of pay-to-play, and therefore, union contributions should be restricted too. Individual union members would remain free to contribute, therefore, not violating any individual rights.
Finally, the current resolutions must be combined into a single, binding document, so that partisans cannot attack one aspect of the proposal without attacking all of it. In this way, both political parties would be loath to come out against comprehensive reform, sure to be the target of public and media scorn. In its current form as two resolutions, wheeling bans could be attacked in court by those special interests that gain from the practice, providing a distinct advantage to one political side over another. As a single, revised resolution, the two vices of pay-to-play and wheeling are inextricably linked for the benefit of all.
The Monmouth County Republican Committee supports comprehensive pay-to-play and wheeling reform. The issue is far too important to allow individual politicians to seek partisan advantage during this historic opportunity to make positive change as an example for all of New Jersey. Without these changes, no Republican of good conscience could vote on the weaker measures as currently proposed. Please email your Freeholders and tell them you want a revised resolution passed.

Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Chairman

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

FREEHOLDER CANDIDATE CALLS FOR RETENTION OF FT. MONMOUTH PATTERSON VETERANS CLINIC

- Local Veterans Deserve Continued Access to the Quality Healthcare this Facility Provides - -

Freehold, NJ – Monmouth County Republican Freeholder Candidate Jeff Cantor issued the following statement regarding the importance of keeping the Patterson clinic for veteran’s at Fort Monmouth open after the base closes in 2011.
“My fellow veterans have been greatly served by the V.A. facility located right here in Monmouth County at Fort Monmouth,” said Freeholder Candidate Jeff Cantor. “Taking away the Paterson clinic from our veterans would be comparable to taking away a soldier’s weapon in combat. It is unthinkable”
“This V.A. facility needs to be protected to ensure that all of the veterans in Monmouth County and those in surrounding counties have continued close and convenient access to quality health care. Today I am calling on the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority to fight and keep the Patterson clinic open when the base closes in 2011. I will work hard to advocate keeping this clinic open when I am elected freeholder.”
“All of Monmouth County’s veterans deserve continued access to the close, quality healthcare that this facility provides,” said Freeholder Candidate Jeff Cantor. “With the number of veterans using V.A. facilities expected to rise in the future this facility should remain open to serve our current and future veteran’s needs.”
“I want to thank Freeholder Lillian Burry for being the first leader to raise public awareness that this clinic needs to stay open and for her hard work on the Fort Monmouth Commission to ensure that the future use of the base, along with its V.A. clinic, will continue to serve the residents of Monmouth County. I look forward to working with her to keep this important facility open for our veterans,” concluded Cantor.
Jeff Cantor is currently a Major in the United States Army Reserves and part of the 353rd Civil Affairs Command. He was the Civil Affairs Commander in Iraq for the At-Tamim province and Kirkuk from 2003-2004. He lives in Marlboro Township, where he serves as council president, with his wife Ava and two daughters.

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Sheriff Candidate Announces Plan for 287g Program in Monmouth County Jail

-- Increases Safety and Security Along with Taxpayer Savings --

Freehold, NJ – Today, Monmouth County Sheriff Candidate Kim Guadagno called for implementing a tough policy that would ensure safer communities by checking the immigration status of anyone already incarcerated in the Monmouth County Jail before the inmate is released.
Guadagno, a former state and federal prosecutor announced that if elected she would require corrections officers to implement provisions of the federal program known as 287(g) of the “Immigration Reform Act of 1996.” Under this program corrections officers working with federal authorities gain necessary resources and authority to immediately determine the immigration status of an inmate.
“It's time get serious about protecting the families and residents of Monmouth County,” said Sheriff Candidate Guadagno. “The implementation of this program in the Sheriffs Office will greatly increase protection of Monmouth County families from potential terrorists like the Fort Dix six.”
“A majority of those involved in the Fort Dix case had frequent run-ins with the law. Had this program been in place, the Duka brothers may have been transferred to federal custody --or even deported-- well before the Fort Dix plot evolved,” said Guadagno.
She continued, “Because an inmate’s immigration status is immediately checked under through this program, potential terrorists like the Fort Dix Six immediately come to the attention of federal authorities. Thus, the residents of Monmouth County are protected.”
“This is a program the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office will implement when I am Sheriff. Potential terrorists like the Fort Dix Six who are unlawfully in the U.S. will immediately be brought to the attention of federal authorities. As a bonus to the taxpayers, because the already incarcerated convict will become a federal inmate, Monmouth County will be relieved of the cost of feeding and housing that criminal.”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s office would become the first county in New Jersey to implement the 287g program for its correctional officers.
The 287g program has been adopted in a number of states with successful results. In Alabama, the program enabled troopers to identify and convict 27 individuals who for using fraudulent documents in an attempt to obtain driver's licenses. Thirteen were convicted of state charges including narcotics violations and possession of forged instruments. The program even uncovered a registered sex offender, who was subsequently deported.
As a federal and state prosecutor, Kim Guadagno prosecuted and convicted corrupt New Jersey officials and was decorated with the U.S. Department of Justice’s highest honor for her work – twice. Kim resides in Monmouth Beach, where she serves as commissioner, with her husband Michael and their three sons.

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin Named Deputy Minority Leader

My Fellow Monmouth County Republicans please join me in congratulating Assemblywoman Amy Handlin on assuming the post of Deputy Minority Leader of the State Assembly. Assemblywoman Handlin is a recognized leader on ethics reform and working to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse in government. The residents of New Jersey are very lucky to have the Assemblywoman fighting for them to reform state government in this important leadership post.
Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce yesterday announced that Assemblywoman Amy Handlin is the new Deputy Minority Leader for the State Assembly. “I am truly honored to have received this position after only a year and a half. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide true tax relief by cutting state spending and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse at every level of government,” said Handlin.

Adam Puharic, Chairman

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Wine Tasting Party for Jeff Cantor, Republican Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder

In support of Jeff Cantor
Republican candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder
you are invited to a wine tasting party
Friday Night
June 29th, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at
The Freehold VFW
50 Waterworks Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
Fantastic wines from around the globe will be poured and sampled.
Wonderful hors d'oeuvres will be paired with each wine.
Suggested donation is $150 per person

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Wine Tasting Party for Jeff Cantor, Republican Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder

In support of Jeff Cantor
Republican candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder
you are invited to a wine tasting party
Friday Night
June 29th, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at
The Freehold VFW
50 Waterworks Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
Fantastic wines from around the globe will be poured and sampled.
Wonderful hors d'oeuvres will be paired with each wine.
Suggested donation is $150 per person

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Reminder: Show your Monmouth County Republican spirit and VOTE TOMORROW!

Dear fellow Republicans:
Monmouth Republicans are fortunate to have no significant challenges for our county or statewide slate this primary cycle. Our party is once again at peace and unified. This is not the case in many counties across New Jersey. We have much to be thankful for.
Show your support for our outstanding Monmouth County Republican candidates, and send a strong message of unity to the Democrats. Go to the polls on Tuesday, June 5, and vote for:

Kim Guadagno – Sheriff
Claire French – Clerk
Rob Clifton – Freeholder
Jeff Cantor – Freeholder

In the 11th District:
Sean Kean – Senator
Dave Rible – Assembly
Mary Pat Angelini – Assembly

In the 12th District:
Jennifer Beck – Senator
Caroline Casagrande – Assembly
Declan O’ Scanlon -- Assembly

In the 13th District:
Joe Kyrillos – Senator
Amy Handlin – Assembly
Sam Thompson -- Assembly

A great ticket indeed!

Respectfully,
Adam Puharic
Chairman

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

Angelini: N.J. must live within its means

Dear fellow Republicans:
An outstanding article about our own Mary Pat. Please enjoy!

Angelini: N.J. must live within its means

11th District Assembly candidate heads local nonprofit

BY LORI ANNE OLIWA

Correspondent

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Kicking off a grassroots political campaign, Mary Pat Angelini has made it very clear that she is someone who knows how to set a budget and stick to it.
As the executive director of Prevention First, a township-based nonprofit agency dealing with issues of substance abuse, Angelini has guided the agency down a long road from a $125,000 yearly budget to a $1.4 million yearly budget.
"My skills in the nonprofit arena are very well-suited to a career in politics," she said. "I know how to set budgetary priorities and live within the means of the budget. I am also experienced in dealing with a wide-array of constituents."
Angelini emphasized that if she is elected, she would abstain from any votes directly involving her agency.
"I want to be very transparent and avoid any appearance of impropriety," she said.
Angelini, Ocean Township, said she believes the biggest problems facing the state are the rising costs of government and the lack of budgetary constraint.
"Private sector jobs are decreasing while public sector jobs are increasing. Government is too big, and the cost is just too high. Cuts in spending are necessary because taxpayers cannot afford it anymore," Angelini said.
Angelini said the tax burden is a result of corruption and ethical breaches.
"Everything stems from the lack of ethics and culture of corruption that is pervasive in public service. Taxes are high and the state is unaffordable because of issues like pension-boosting and dual-office holding," she said.
"There is no reason why anyone needs to hold more than one office," she continued. "There are more capable and qualified people than there are positions to fill."
As an outspoken proponent of government and ethics reform, Angelini is not afraid to defend what has become an unpopular position in Trenton.
"I believe that indicted officials should not be receiving a paycheck and that convicted ones should not be getting a pension," she said, adding, "This is just waste pure and simple."
Angelini said the seed to enter the contentious arena of politics was planted in her youth.
"In my parents' house, politics, public service and the right to vote were taken very seriously. It was always instilled in me that young people need to get involved.
"I am a firm believer that if someone's parents are not involved, then the children follow suit," she said.
Angelini wants to bring advocacy back to politics.
"I want to be an advocate for all of the 'John and Jane Qs' of the 11th District and will do that in an honest manner, so my constituents can be proud of me," she said.
That advocacy involves encouraging as many people as possible to participate and vote, regardless of political affiliation, she said.
"Most people feel they have no voice whatsoever anymore, and this troubles me," she said.
If elected, Angelini said she will engage her constituents by attending civic events, holding town meetings and community forums, keeping weekend hours in her legislative office and providing outreach to different groups.
My predecessors Assemblymen Sean Kean and Steve Corodemus did a magnificent job of reaching out, and I want to continue their fine tradition," Angelini said.
Angelini is no stranger to the political process. She is the chairwoman of the N.J. Business and Industry Association's Employer Legislative Committee in Monmouth County and is also GOP vice-chair in Ocean Township.
"I have always been a political junkie," she admitted.
Because of her involvement in NJBIA, Angelini is very supportive of business and said the state has not been very business-friendly.
"Companies are leaving the state because of the fees and onerous regulations. Small businesses especially are the lifeblood of the economy," she said.
On the issue of government-mandated paid family leave, which has been a hot topic in Trenton, Angelini said, "I am 100 percent against this. Business owners should have the chance to work with their employees without government intervention. The program is so far-fetched that it will never work."
Angelini has been the executive director of Prevention First since 1992 and has held many positions on planning and policy boards throughout Monmouth County. She also serves on the executive board of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's N.J. Health Initiatives Advisory Committee and has been a county committee woman.

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Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664