BODY POLITIC

OPEN SEAT ON FREEHOLDER BOARD

Now that Governor-elect Jon Corzine has ended the suspense regarding New Jersey’s next Senator, it is time for Monmouth County political junkies to start reading the tea leaves closer to home. Once again, there is a race to determine our next Freeholder, and in this contest, the titans are about to square off. With the imminent departure of Freeholder Amy Handlin to the State Assembly, the Republican party of Monmouth County has another battle looming in the coming weeks.

As part of her Assembly campaign that included higher standards among public officials, Freeholder Handlin pledged not to hold two offices and that if successful, she would relinquish her seat in county government. With a January date in the legislature ahead, Handlin should announce her intention to step down as a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders any day. At that time, her resignation will mark the fourth opening on the five- member board in the past two years. Just as in the past, there will be no shortage of Republicans looking to ascend to the coveted seat of Freeholder.

Only this time, some major towns are gearing up for the fight. From the northern part of the county, long time Middletown Township Committee member Rosemarie Peters brings an impressive resume to the fore. From the southern region, Municipal Chairman Robert McKenna of Wall Township is looking to throw his hat into the ring. We should also expect to see someone from either Howell or Holmdel test the waters.

In an election among Republican county committee members, Wall and Middletown control the lion’s share of delegates. Wall may have the outright majority, but Middletown isn’t far behind and could easily put together a pretty solid coalition. So far, both Peters and McKenna have been downplaying their chances, but it’s a safe bet that supporters of each are beginning to count the votes.

The time for Handlin to announce her intentions is getting short, and speculation about her successor is beginning to run through Republican circles. After she steps down, “the Middletown seat” in county government will be vacated and it will be interesting to see what scenario plays out. She has a uniquely qualified successor in former Mayor Peters, but never count out the numbers in Wall. Its not even 2006, and the intrigue in the county political circles is already under way.