McMorrow, D'Amico take leadership roles on freeholder Board

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County freeholders Barbara J. McMorrow and John D’Amico Jr. became, respectively, freeholder director and deputy director at the board’s 2009 organization meeting held Jan. 6 at the Monmouth County Police Academy.

Additionally, Amy A. Mallet, who lives in Fair Haven, was sworn into her first three-year term on the county Board of Chosen Freeholders and former Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, was sworn into her second three-year term. 

Superior Court Assignment Judge Lawrence M. Lawson issued the oath of office to both freeholders after County Clerk M. Claire French publicly certified the election.

Mallet and Burry join the five-member freeholder board that also includes McMorrow, D’Amico and Robert D. Clifton.  Mallet replaces William C. Barham, who served on the board since 2004 and did not seek re-election. 

 “It is my honor to serve as director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” McMorrow said. “And now we will roll up our sleeves and get to work, because these are tough times and, there is a lot of work to be done. This board will face the financial challenges ahead while striving to provide the quality of life residents of this great county expect and deserve.

“We need to streamline where we can and to restructure where we cannot,” McMorrow said.  “When I was sworn in as freeholder two years ago, I called for the creation of the Budget Task Force to analyze the county budget. That was done, and many of their changes have been implemented, putting the county in a better position to weather this economic storm.”

“In these troubled economic times, people are suffering, and they need us, the county, to do its share to ease their problems,” D’Amico said. “The people of Monmouth County need and deserve a smarter and more compassionate government, and it is the responsibility of this board to provide it.”

D’Amico’s remarks also noted that the county will focus on an aggressive public works program to address public safety and courthouse renovations, pursue federal and state transportation funds to meet critical infrastructure needs, and implement strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy.

“I look forward to joining a team which will take Monmouth County to new levels,” said Mallet.  “Times are tough, and I will do all I can to make our county affordable while providing top-rated schools, much needed social services, economic opportunities, public safety and open space, all while addressing vital environmental issues.

“We have many new challenges ahead, as we are faced with a struggling economy.  This requires restraint and thoughtful strategy,” Mallet said. “We will be working towards reducing the cost of government without sacrificing vital services.”

“Throughout the coming year we will fight to preserve our county’s strengths, explore new opportunities and work cooperatively to implement good proposals to make Monmouth County a stronger, leaner, more nimble and efficient government,” Burry said. “Among our greatest strengths are our county park system, our farmland preservation program and our library system. We have the largest circulating county library collection in the state with the lowest cost of operation and our 14,500 acres of permanently preserved parks and open space and 12,000 acres of preserved farmland serve our residents well.

“With the prospect of as many as 15,000 jobs being lost to the county’s economy, the mission of FMERPA (Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority) – of which the county is a partner – is both vital and challenging,” Burry said. “The prospect of redeveloping 1,100 acres has given new life to Monmouth County’s economic development program.”

Freeholder Clifton commented on county government operations in 2008. “The county was able to turn more trash into cash by producing enough electricity to offset the cost of the running the county reclamation center’s processing and recovery facility.  We were also able to further expand the municipal cooperative purchasing program, launch a cable television program, and effectively battle the gypsy moth problem by spraying a record 7,815 acres,” Clifton said.

“In the coming year, this Board will work together to review and monitor the progress of all areas of county government while being mindful of the taxpayer and future generations,” Clifton said. 

Among the other 2008 county accomplishments listed by the freeholders were providing 360,000 home-delivered meals and 41,000 home health services; furnishing transportation to 308,000 seniors and residents with disabilities; establishing a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Committee, sponsoring a successful Lunchtime Series on the environment; paving and resurfacing more than 20 miles of roads; conducting its annual surplus auction entirely online; welcoming Brookdale Community College’s 15,000th student; and maintaining a Triple A bond rating.  

McMorrow also remarked, “Monmouth County is developing a strategic plan that will be the first of its kind in the state.  This initiative builds on the efforts of the Budget Task force that will help us through the challenging financial times of 2009 and beyond. I am confident that the efforts of this Board will continue to focus on the future of Monmouth County.”
 
For additional information about Monmouth County and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, please visit the county’s Website at www.visitmonmouth.com.