The resignation of longtime Ocean County Freeholder James F. Lacey effective last Thursday and the likely departure of fellow Republican John P. Kelly, puts the governing body in a position it hasn't had to deal with in at least a quarter-century.

Ocean County Board of Freeholders, T. Mongelli Townsquare Media
Ocean County Board of Freeholders, T. Mongelli Townsquare Media
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Kelly is expected to be confirmed by the state Senate for a position on the New Jersey Parole Board, possibly by January 11, which would require him to resign from the Freeholder Board. Lacey meanwhile, is retiring from the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority and is required by state law to also retire from the Freeholder Board to be able to collect his public pension.

Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr. announced Lacey's resignation last week and said the board is saddened by his retirement.

"He's been a superb Freeholder for 23-years. He's overseen the County Road Department, maintaining those roads. When it snows, they're plowed. They're kept in phenomenal shape. He's the father of the County's Rail Trail system which is under construction, as monies become available. He's probably the most quiet Freeholder, but he has done a tremendous amount of work and we're going to at least lose 23 years worth of experience with Jim, but we wish him Godspeed in his retirement," said Bartlett.

The governing body is losing potentially 36-years of experience, Bartlett pointed out.

Bartlett, who this month begins his 37th year on the Freeholder Board, said given the circumstances, the three remaining members, himself, Deputy Director Gerry P. Little and Joseph H. Vicari, have decided the best method of proceeding in 2016 is to hold all appointments in place.

"I'll be reappointed Director for the next 35 days until the new Freeholders are seated," Bartlett said.

Bartlett expects the Ocean County Republican Committee to hold one meeting, if in fact Kelly resigns, for members to vote on successors to the Freeholder Board. An appointment must be made within 35 days of a vacancy.

"We're only in this situation for a month, so there's there's nothing critically before us that would allow us to take action," said Bartlett. He added they only need to Freeholder members for a quorum.

"County government is going to continue rolling along as it has, at this point in time, there's only going to be three horses, pulling the wagon," Bartlett said in jest.

 

 

 

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