NOVEMBER 2017 FREE

Toms River Tribune

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE
Council Race Heats Up High-Density Apartments
Democrat Challengers Run on Anti-Development Platform
Republican Incumbents Urge Voters to Stay the Course
Transforming North Dover
1,400 Units Under Construction, Plans for Thousands More
IN A TOWN where Republicans above average snowfall. Since 2007, Faced with mounting opposition to
usually win, this year may be dif- municipal taxes have gone up 92%. the new development, the Council has
ferent. The Democratic slate for Democratic Council Candidate blamed the zoning laws and Trenton.
Council is running an aggressive Anthony Colucci disagreed. He Councilman Kevin Geoghegan, who is
campaign, focused on over-devel- blames tax increases on “a hiring up for re-election on the Republican
opment in North Dover. spree that began in 2007.” Accord- ticket, said, “We can’t just wave a wand
The Republican Council can- ing to Township payroll records, 23 and say there is no more building, pe-
didates contend that the new de- new supervisors and 15 new confi- riod. As long as it meets the zoning re-
velopment is needed to satisfy a dential aides have been hired since quirements, it is what it is.”
requirement for more low-income 2007. Colucci continued, “Most Democratic Council candidate Dan
housing. Changing demographics of these people are making over Rodrick countered, “My opponent fails
in North Dover have created a high $100,000. It’s not sustainable.” to mention that these zoning laws were
demand for housing to accommo- Cornerstone Commons, North Dover created by him and the all-Republican
date large families. Council. They are responsible. Our team
The Democrats WITH MORE THAN 1,400 high-density will change the zoning laws to stop this
are strongly criti-
TOMS RIVER MUNICIPAL TAXES
housing units under construction in Lakewood-style development.”
cal of the current (2007 - 2017) North Dover, residents are asking Town- The source of the building boom can
Council’s record ship officials when the development will be traced to zoning changes that began
on development, stop. The answer: not anytime soon. with a 2010 ordinance, when the Coun-
blaming changes
92% The Council recently approved a plan cil voted to permit 3-story multi-fam-
in zoning for the
building boom near
the Lakewood bor-
TAX INCREASE
$83 for an additional 2,500 units near the ily apartments on a 3.6 mile section of
Lakewood border. Nearly all of this new Route 9, stretching from the Home De-

der. The Democrats

Million residential development consists of pot Plaza on Indian Head Road to the
multi-family apartments. Traffic along Lakewood border.
vow to change zon- Route 9, Whitesville Road, and New
ing laws to stop new Hampshire Avenue is expected to get
high density devel- much worse. continued on page 5
opment.
Republicans are
running on a plat- $ 43
form of “fiscal re-
sponsibility.” They
Million Lakewood Money Flows to
blame the tax in-
creases on damage Republican Candidates
from Sandy and 2007 2017
Reports from the NJ Election Law En- T&M Associates donated $18,500 to
continued on page 5 forcement Commission show that two the Toms River Republicans. T&M is
Lakewood-connected engineering firms the architect of the controversial Lake-
have contributed over $69,000 to Toms wood master plan that envisions growth
River Republican candidates and Repub- to 230,000 residents, and has been
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER lican-controlled political committees. awarded almost $2 million in Lakewood
ECRWSS R&V Engineers has donated $51,300 to government contracts. Toms River Re-
PERMIT NO.6438 the Toms River Republicans, while being publican officials recently hired T&M
PHILA PA 191 paid over $12 million in Lakewood gov- Associates to craft the town’s new mas-
ernment contracts since 2009. ter plan.
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
continued on page 7
 Riverwood Chase - 250 Units
Sandy Recovery Money - $8,500,000 $52 Million from Sandy Funds
Used for North Dover Development

Cornerstone Commons - 102 Units

Sandy Recovery Money - $18,533,192

Meadow Green Apartments - 80 Units

Sandy Recovery Money - $14,250,000
Sandy Affected Homeowners have Criticized the Allocation of Funds

Freedom Village - 86 Units
Sandy Recovery Money - $3,200,000
Toms River Family Apartments - 49 Units
Sandy Recovery Money - $8,330,000
FIVE YEARS AFTER HURRICANE SANDY, over $50 million “This money should have gone to the people who were
has been approved for home construction, but it may not hurt by Sandy, and who still haven’t recovered,” ex-
be going where you think. On September 26, the Toms plained Anthony Colucci, Democratic Candidate for
River Council voted unanimously to approve $8.5 Million Ward 1 Council and President of the Ortley Beach taxpay-
for the 250-unit Riverwood Chase apartment complex in er’s association. “Instead, we’re building apartments for
North Dover. people who weren’t even living in Toms River before the
Overall, the Council has approved $52 million in San- storm. That’s not right.”
dy Recovery funds to build five low-income housing de- The Democrats have been critical of the all-Republican
velopments in North Dover. The Federal Sandy Money is Council for its approach to development as well as its al-
allocated through multiple state agencies, but the devel- location of Sandy Funds.
opment projects ultimately require approval by the Toms “We are spending Sandy money on high density apart-
River Council. ments in North Dover that shouldn’t even be built,” add-
The program was designed to help those affected by ed Ward 3 Democratic Council candidate Laurie Huryk.
Superstorm Sandy, but critics claim the money could “These new apartments are crowding our roads, threaten-
have been used to help families renovate Sandy damaged ing our schools, and destroying our open space.”
homes, instead of going toward multi-family develop- All of the development is occurring near the Lakewood
ments in North Dover. border, including 567 high-density units in five new de-
velopment projects: Meadow Green, Freedom Village,
Cornerstone Commons, Toms River Family, and River-
“This money should have gone to the people wood Chase. These projects obligate a total of $52,813,192
who were hurt by Sandy, and who still haven’t in Sandy recovery funds. The funding comes through
recovered. Instead, we’re building apartments a pipeline of both federal and state programs, part of
for people who weren’t even living in Toms River which originates from the federal Disaster Relief Appro-
before the storm. That’s not right.” priations Act. As of August 3, a total of $17,473,311 has
-ANTHONY COLUCCI, COUNCIL CANDIDATE, WARD 1 been disbursed and paid out to developers.

Porgies and Bluefish are Biting Photo Right: Bluefish Caught in the
Mansquan River

But Where are the Stripers?

ANGLERS ARE EAGERLY anticipating
the fall arrival of New Jersey’s favorite
migratory fish - the striped bass. With
water temperatures still in the mid-to-
high-sixties, angler reports of striped
bass are few and far between, but as
the water cools, schools of stripers
head south and fishing will heat up
again. This often coincides with pea-
nut bunkers leaving the bays and mov-
ing out into the ocean as well.
Large blue bass are still being land-
ed in the bay at high tide. Anglers are
also having good results just outside of
Barnegat and Manasquan inlets. With
average sizes between ten and twenty
pounds, be sure to bring a heavy rod.
Offshore, blackfish fishing is quiet,
but porgies have been extremely abun-
dant. Anglers are often blitzed with
catching 50 or more porgy, in addition
to large bluefish, a few bonito and false
albacore mixed in.

2 Toms River Tribune


Paul Shives, Toms River Business Administrator
PAUL SHIVES TOTAL COMPENSATION
Salary..................................................$228,976
Health Benefits....................................$29,440
Prescription...........................................$8,052
Dental..........................................................$1,135
Employer Pension Contribution...........$30,614
Employer Payroll Tax Contribution.......$11,207
Vehicle..........................
Personal Vehicle..................................$6,000
Gas Money...............................................$1,500
Vacation Day Buy Back (2016)........$22,662
Total Compensation......................$339,586
Shives $340,000 Contract
Critics Oppose Salary and Lavish Benefits
TOMS RIVER BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Paul Shives Per his contract, Shives is given 30 vacation days
was given a personal benefits package from the Toms and six personal days every year, which he can
River council that includes lavish lifetime health ben- cash in at any time. At the start of his 2009 con-
efits and total compensation well over $300,000 in tract, he was also given an additional 30 sick
salary and benefits. days. Over the past nine years, Shives has cashed
Toms River Democratic Council Candidates said in 180 vacation and personal days, adding an ad-
they are planning to repeal Shives’ lifetime benefits ditional $95,113.18 to his overall compensation.
that the Republican Council voted to give to him once
he retires. “Municipal property taxes have nearly doubled in the
“It’s rarely prudent to pass a law for the benefit of last 10 years and these kinds of political giveaways
one man,” said Ward 4 Candidate Terrance Turnbach. are the reason why,” said Ward 3 Candidate Laurie
“Residents are struggling and we will be paying for his Huryk.‘It doesn’t make sense. Our residents cannot af-
health benefits in perpetuity.” ford political handouts.”
As Shives was being hired in 2009, the Council According to the Toms River Township budgets, the
pushed through a special ordinance granting him free total municipal tax levy has gone up $40 million in the
lifetime health benefits coverage upon retirement, last 10 years, climbing from $43.6 million in 2007 to
after only five years of employment. This ordinance $83.5 million in 2017.
does not apply to any other township employee. Mayor Kelaher, in an article in the Asbury Park
In 2016, Shives received $228,976 in monetary com- Press, defended the $95,000 in extra cash given to
pensation. Additionally, Shives’ contract gives him a Shives for unused vacation days. He explained that
benefits plan that includes a $29,440 health care plan, Shives has not taken a vacation since 2012.
an $8,052 prescription plan, and dental coverage cost-
ing $1,135. He is also provided with a township vehicle
and gas. The Township also contributes toward Shives’ “It’s a 24/7 job. I still have
pension and payroll costs (an amount equal to roughly days left every year.”
20% of his $228,976 salary), bringing Shives’ total com-
pensation to nearly $340,000 in salary and benefits.
-PAUL SHIVES (commenting on vacation day payout)

Who’s Raising
Property Taxes?
Comparison between Municipal, School, and County Taxes
FIXING THE STATE’S highest-in-the nation
property taxes is the top priority for voters this
year, according to a statewide poll of NJ resi-
dents conducted by the Monmouth University
Polling Institute. Voters in Toms River are no
exception, and increases in property taxes have
become an issue in Council, County and School
Board races this November. Finger pointing is
underway, as the County blames Superstorm
Sandy, the municipalities blame the schools,
and everyone blames Trenton. What do the
numbers show?
Toms River Taxpayers, a group advocating for
responsible spending and fiscal transparency
in Toms River government, recently analyzed
2007 2017 the municipal, county and school tax levies
Municipal Taxes $43,595,260 $83,489,411 over the last 10 years, and posted the results
on their Facebook page. Toms River Taxpayers
School Taxes $101,178,817 $144,000,000 identified Toms River Mayor and Council as the
County Taxes $51,513,661 $62,600,000 elected officials responsible for the largest in-
creases in taxes and spending in Toms River.
According to the group, the total tax levy in
Toms River (also referred to as the amount to be
raised by taxation) has increased substantially.
The municipal tax levy, set by the Mayor and
Council, has nearly doubled, going up 92% since
2007. During the same time period, the school
levy increased 42% and the county tax levy in-
creased by 22%. Calculations are based on the
NJ Department of Community Affairs Abstract
of Ratables (2007-2017). Exact figures are pro-
vided in the tables below.
The group urged voters to hold elected offi-
cials accountable for the tax increases over the
last 10 years. Incumbent Toms River Council
members Maria Maruca, Kevin Geoghegan, and
Al Manforti are on the ballot this November as
part of the Republican slate. No incumbents
are running for re-election to the Toms River
School Board.

Special Election Issue 3

Republicans Pandering for Orthodox Jewish Votes?

Corner of Church Road and Freehold Road,

North Dover.

A LETTER RECENTLY SURFACED that has

raised questions about whether township
officials are showing favoritism toward
Orthodox Jewish residents. Critics claim
the letter is aimed at gaining the endorse-
ment of the Vaad, a Lakewood organiza-
tion which endorses candidates in local
and state elections.
The letter was sent by Toms River’s
Community Affairs Officer Ralph Stocco.
It was first published in The Lakewood
Scoop. The full letter, which can be seen
on the right, drew harsh criticism.
“I know that many of you are new to the
area,” the letter explains while explaining
special building code exceptions that al-
low for temporary structures to be erect-
ed by residents.
The township went on to tell recipients
that are going away for Rosh Hashanah
they should call the Township, “so that
the police department can keep an eye
on your house.” As the letter circulated
online, some residents claimed the town
was showing favoritism toward a subsec-
tion of voters known for their high turn-
out vote.
“Are you kidding me? We never get a
personalized letter as a homeowner for
Christmas or New Years,” commented
one resident under a Facebook post of
the Asbury Park Press article about the
letter. “This is absolutely favoritism, not
even a question.”
“Since when do you send letters to one
specific group? You are in those jobs to
serve and protect all citizens,” posted
another resident under the same article.
“Make sure you send the same letters out
to those during the Christmas and Eas-
ter holidays when most people Catholic,
Christian, Jewish, etc are actually away.”

Published in the Lakewood Scoop - Sept 9, 2017

4 Toms River Tribune

Council Race Heats Up cont.
This year, four council ward seats are up. If the Democrats win
all four seats, they would form a new majority on Council, ending
years of Republican dominance. The major issues in the Council
races are taxes and development.
In Ward 1, longtime Republican incumbent Maria Maruca is
running against Democrat Anthony Colucci. This is Colucci’s first
race. Ward 1 was heavily impacted by Sandy, containing Ortley
Beach, Normandy Beach, and the Bay Front areas of East Dover.
Neighborhoods immediately west of Fisher Blvd are also in Ward 1.
In Ward 2, Democrat Dan Rodrick is challenging Republican in-
cumbent Kevin Geoghegan. Rodrick faced off against Geoghegan
in a 2016 Special Election, and came surprisingly close to beat-
ing the Republican favorite. Analysis of election results revealed
that thousands voters who normally vote Republican crossed
party lines to support Rodrick. Ward 2 contains Greenbriar and
Holiday City Sil-
verton Senior
The major issues in the Communities,
Democrat Council Candidates (Left to Right): Anthony Colucci, Dan Rodrick, Laurie Huryk, Terrance Turnbach Silverton and
Council races are taxes
neighborhoods
and development. along Hooper
Avenue north of
Bay Ave.
In Ward 3, Democrat Laurie Huryk is running against Republi-
can Lou Gallipoli. Most of North Dover and the Lake Ridge Senior
Community are in Ward 3. This area has been at the center of the
controversy over new development.
In Ward 4, Democrat Terrance Turnbach is running against
Republican incumbent Al Manforti. Ward 4 includes the western
and southern portions of Toms River including the downtown
business district. Turnbach has highlighted the problems with
the Red Carpet Inn and crime, as well as overdevelopment, while
Manforti is running on his record.
Republican Council Candidates (Left to Right): Maria Maruca, Kevin Geoghegan, Lou Gallipoli, Al Manforti

While much of the recent con- ocratic Council Candidate Terrance

High-Density struction was permitted by develop-
er-friendly zoning regulations, other
Turnbach. “They changed the laws to
favor development and out of town

Apartments cont. high-density development was autho-

rized by special action of the Council.
developers - over and over and over
again.”
In 2014, the Council voted unani- The Planning Board, appointed by

TOMS RIVER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS mously to authorize a “spot zoning”

ordinance to allow multi-family devel-
the Mayor and Council, have also con-
tributed to the ongoing development.
opment near the intersection of Route This past summer they approved The
Site Name/Developer Address/Location Units 166 and Old Freehold Road. The parcel Woods at Toms River, which will add
Gabrielle Run Rt 9 & Hickory St. 340 was previously zoned for commercial another 141 units to North Dover along
office space, but was rezoned by the Route 9 just south of Church Road.
Riverwood Chase Rt 9 & Cox Cro Rd 250 Council to allow for 132 apartment In addition, the Township Council
Dover Summit Rt 9 & Whitty Rd 175 units. voted to sell 11 acres of undeveloped
In February 2017, the Council voted land on Cox Cro Rd. for development
Marlton Investment Group LP Rt 9 & Clayton Rd 150 unanimously to approve two “afford- as high density apartments. A special
Woods at Toms River Rt 9 South of Church Road 141 able housing districts”. Both of these tax break, known as a PILOT (Pay-
newly created zones allowed for high ment In Lieu Of Taxes) was granted to
Cornerstone Commons Cox Cro Rd. & Massachusetts 102 density projects which otherwise encourage the development. As part
Freedom Village Ma
Massachusetts Ave. & Hickory St. 86 would not have been permitted. One of the PILOT, the development will be
of these projects will allow Marlton In- exempt from paying school taxes for 30
North Pointe Hollow Whitesville Road 86 vestment Group to construct 150 new years.
Meadow Green Apts Massachusetts Ave. 80 units in North Dover on Route 9 oppo- Democratic Council candidate Lau-
site Clayton Rd. rie Huryk stated, “The Republicans
Autumn Ridge Route 9 & Riverwood Dr. 73 “The Republicans on Council have re-zoned North Dover to allow this
Toms River Family Apartments Rt 70 & Massachusetts Ave. 49 not looked after the interests of the development. If they want someone to
current residents,” commented Dem- blame, they should look in the mirror.”

Special Election Issue 5

Heroin Hotel Becomes “The police are doing a great job, but they’re trying to hold
back a flood with a paper cup. They can only do so much.”

Issue in Council Race – COUNCIL CANDIDATE TERRANCE TURNBACH

Local residents have long known of the Red Car- Turnbach, who lives and runs a law practice in the
pet Inn as a home for drug dealers and users, which downtown Toms River, has strongly criticized the
often spills out into the surrounding neighborhood Township Council for not taking any action. “This
and downtown Toms River. A spate of burglaries and hotel and the criminal activities allowed by the own-
break-ins have taken place in the past year in nearby ers are destroying our downtown,” he said. “Our
homes and businesses, which many believe are drug council members have done nothing.” Turnbach has
addicts seeking money to feed their habit. advocated for an aggressive approach, pointing out
“I commend the police for their hard work,” said that towns in other areas of the state have shut down
Teddy Price, a local resident, “but our town leaders similar drug dens by declaring them a nuisance to
have never even tried to come up with a long term the neighborhood and going to court to have them
plan to solve this heroin hotel problem. Their inac- closed. “If I am elected,” he said, “my first act will
tion is maddening when we’re faced with drug deals be to support our police and downtown businesses
going down right in our neighborhood.” and residents by shutting down this drug haven. The
The drug problem at the Red Carpet Inn recent- whole neighborhood will be transformed.”
ly became a focus of the race for Township Council. Some downtown business owners have applaud-
Terrance Turnbach, the Democratic candidate for ed Turnbach for his stance. One owner said, “I’ve
IN AN EARLY MORNING RAID a few weeks ago, the
Council in Ward 4, has pledged to shut down the ho- always voted Republican in our town, but this drug
Toms River police arrested 15 people for drug-relat-
tel, calling it an “absolute necessity.” Turnbach com- problem downtown keeps getting worse, and our
ed offenses at the Red Carpet Inn. The authorities
mented, “The police are doing a great job, but they’re council has done absolutely nothing. It’s time to try
executed three search warrants at the hotel, located
trying to hold back a flood with a paper cup. They something different.”
at 2 Water Street, as a result of an ongoing investiga-
can only do so much.”
tion.

Halloween Parade Where it Starts, Where to Watch, Where to Park

THE ANNUAL TOMS RIVER Halloween parade Registration for participants is free. Those
will be held on October 31st, starting at 7 pm. The wishing to be part of the parade must register in
parade which is in its 79th year, is listed in the person the day of the parade, between 8 am to 4
Guinness Book of Records as the 2nd largest Hal- pm at the firehouse on Robbins Street.
loween Parade in the country. The parade forms at the Toms River Shopping
The sponsor, Toms River Fire Company No. 1, Center on the corner of Rt 37 and Rt 166 (Main
suggests that you park at the Ocean County Park- Street). The parade travels south on Main St. and
ing Garage, located at Madison Avenue between then turns left onto Washington St. The parade
Hooper Avenue and Hadley Avenue. Please re- ends at the intersection of Washington St. and
member that any vehicles parked on any side Hooper Ave. Spectators are permitted to bring
street off of Main Street must be 1,000 feet from chairs and blankets.
the corner. Do not park in the Toms River Center.

6 Toms River Tribune

Councilman Under Fire for Ties to
$12.8 Million Lakewood School
PHOTO LEFT: Jeffrey Carr; PHOTO RIGHT: Cheder School under construction.
REPUBLICAN COUNCILMAN JEFFREY CARR has
recently come under fire for his Lakewood busi-
ness connections. Carr is a partner with Lindstrom,
Diessner & Carr, an engineering firm that has “ex-
tensive land development experience in multifam-
ily developments,” according to their website. His
company worked on the construction of Lakewood’s
Cheder School, the largest Orthodox Jewish ele-
mentary school outside of Israel.
The Cheder School is a $12.8 million project. In
addition, Lindstrom, Diessner & Carr have worked
on 13 other development projects in Lakewood.
Residents have voiced concern that Carr’s work
on these projects may have affected his vote to ap-
prove several large development projects here in
Toms River. Susan Gato of Silverton asked, “He
(Carr) works for developers, and yet he voted to ap-
prove huge developments in North Dover. I don’t see
how that’s not a conflict of interest.” Carr has not
recused himself on any votes related to North Dover
Development projects.
The Cheder School was approved by Lakewood
Planning and Engineering Professionals, who are
also big money contributors to Carr. He received
$3,600 in contributions from Remington and Ver-
nick, who is appointed as the Lakewood Township
Engineer and $2,600 in contributions from T&M
Associates, who are the architects of the Lakewood
Master Plan for Development. Subsequently in 2017,
T&M was hired by Toms River to create their Master
Plan.
Carr’s strong ties to Lakewood development proj-
ects are rumored to have forced him out of the Toms
River Council race this year. Carr will finish the re-
mainder of his term, which ends December 31.

Lakewood Popular Pizzeria

Money Flows cont. Closes in North
Some residents of Toms River are ques- In Toms River, the 2008 decision to appoint
Dover
tioning why their elected officials have hired T&M Associates to create a new master plan
Lakewood-connected engineering firms for has been met with controversy.
land use planning in Toms River. One observ- On Facebook, a local resident commented,
er said, “Lakewood has the worst planning in “The last thing we want in Toms River is for
the entire state. Why would we use the same our master plan to look like Lakewood’s. I se-
engineering firms to make decisions about riously question the judgment of our Council
the future of Toms River?” Members who brought in the same engineer-
Most residents don’t know that many deci- ing firm here. Is it about the money? I hope
sions on land use and planning in their town not.”
are made by professional engineering firms.

Toms River Donations from Lakewood Engineers

Donations (2009 - 2017) to
Republican Candidates & PACs
Remington & Vernick (R&V) $51,300
T&M Associates $18,500
Lakewood Government Contracts
(2009 - 2016) RESTAURANT OWNER Anthony Schiffilliti has closed his
Nino’s Coal-Fired Pizza location on the corner of Route 9
$12,878,925 and Cox Cro Road. The pizzeria’s closure is attributed to
$1,943,990 changing demographics, declining sales at the North Dover
location, and an expiring lease. The only remaining Nino’s,
on Brick Boulevard in Brick, will remain open and receive
the owner’s full attention. Nino’s full menu is available on
their website at www.ninoscoalfiredpizza.com.

Special Election Issue 7

 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 - 7:00 PM
79th Annual Halloween Parade
The second largest Halloween Parade in the world will be held on Halloween this year.
Registration for those in the parade will be from 8 am until 4 pm at 26 Robbins Street.
Main Street, Water Street & Washington Ave

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 - 11 AM until 3 PM

Elderfest
Join Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services for a free, fun filled day of
health and wellness screenings, crafters, $100 gift card giveaways and Bingo!
Clarion Hotel - 815 Route 37 West

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - 10 AM until 3 PM

Fall Vendors Event
A one stop shop for all your Christmas shopping needs!
Everything from beauty to bling to houseware to tasty bites and so much more!
Downtown Dance Academy - 25 W. Water Street

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - ALL DAY

Veterans Day
Thank and honor all those who have served our country honorably in the military.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 - 6:00 PM

Pet Photo Night
Bring your pet to sit, stay and pose for a photo
with Santa, who will be waiting at Center Court.
Ocean County Mall

8 Toms River Tribune

Keeping Score on
Low Income Housing
Toms River versus Brick
LOW INCOME HOUSING UNITS
TOMS RIVER BRICK
1295 vs
IN 2015, both Brick Township and
Toms River were told to build thou-
sands of low-income housing units to
meet a Fair Share Housing requirement.
Two years later, the outcomes could
not be more different. Brick challenged
the state mandate in court and won.
Zero new units were required in Brick.
In contrast, the Toms River Council approved
1,295 new low-income units. Township Busi-
ness administrator Paul Shives called the out-
come “a good thing for Toms River.”
Democratic Council candidate Dan Rodrick
disagrees. “Our elected officials in Toms Riv-
er should have fought against building these
new apartments,” he said. “Developers are
making a lot of money on these units, and the
Republicans don’t want to stand in their way.
THE WALTERS GROUP, WHICH IS DEVELOPING THE 102-UNIT CORNERSTONE
COMMONS APARTMENTS IN NORTH DOVER, HAS DONATED A TOTAL OF
$161,600 TO REPUBLICANS.
Toms River or Dover?
BEFORE NOVEMBER 14, 2006, “Toms River”
referred only to a small part of the current
Township of Toms River. The official name
of the Ocean County Seat was “Dover Town-
ship”.
This frequently caused confusion be-
tween the Township of Dover, in Ocean
County (which was commonly called Toms
River), and the Town of Dover, a small town
about 25 miles west of Newark. Many resi-
dents called for the Township to be official-
ly renamed to Township of Toms River.
New Tiki Bar at Island
Beach State Park
Red Fox Bar and Grill Opened
September 5th
LOCALS AND VISITORS
ALIKE flock to Island
Beach State Park to enjoy
the undeveloped beach-
es, swim, sunbathe, pic-
0
nic with the family and
fish in the surf. However,
like all NJ State Parks,
Island Beach State Park
had a strict no-alcohol
policy.
This policy changed
late this summer, with
They’re not looking out for us,” Rodrick said.
the opening of the Red
The Walters Group, which is developing
Fox Tiki Bar and Grill.
the 102-unit Cornerstone Commons Apart-
The Tiki Bar is located
ments in North Dover, has donated a total of Red Fox Tiki Bar and Grill at near Ocean Bathing Area
$161,600 to Republicans, according to public Island Beach State Park 1, the northernmost of
records from the NJ Election Law Enforce-
the guarded beaches. Al-
ment Commission. That includes donations
cohol is still forbidden outside the confines of the 100
made by the firm, its affiliates like the Wal-
seat outdoor bar and grill, but beach goers can enjoy a
ters & Sons Construction Company, and its
cocktail, beer or glass of wine without leaving the park.
individual partners and officers to various
Although Island Beach State Park is open year round,
Republican candidates and PACs.
the Tiki Bar is seasonal, and will close for the winter. For
“Brick fought against the State require-
now, the hours are 11 am to 8 pm, weather permitting.
ments and now has zero obligation to build
Some visitors expressed concern that the new bar
affordable housing,” said Laurie Huryk, a can-
would change the relaxed, family friendly atmosphere
didate for Council. “Our officials caved to the
of the park. “There are plenty of bars in Seaside,” com-
State and the developers and now there are
mented one regular beach goer. “I come here to get away-
multiple apartment buildings coming in. It’s
no boardwalk, no noise, no bars. I kind of liked it that
not right.”
way.” Island Beach State Park is one of the few remain-
ing stretches of coastline that is relatively pristine and
undeveloped in the Northeast.
The patrons enjoying a drink at the bar or patio
seemed happy with the new addition. “This was always
one of my favorite places”, explained one patron. “Now
it’s even better”
A group called the Dover Name Change
Committee gathered enough signatures to
put a referendum on the ballot, and on No-
vember 7th, 2006 over 60% of the residents
voted to approve the change.
Toms River is not the only Ocean Coun-
ty town to change names in modern times.
Before January 1st, 1977, the Township now
known as Barnegat was called the Township
of Union.
Special Election Issue 9
Toms River Tribune Crossword
ACROSS
1. “Now!,” in a memo
5. Prefix with morphosis
9. Knight’s protection
14. Colorado skiing mecca
15. Man from Oman, e.g.
16. Jeweler’s magnifying tool
17. Simultaneously
19. Beatnik’s “Gotcha”
20. “Damn!,” e.g.
21. Minnesota’s capital
22. Like many itchy mutts
26. Oscar : film :: ___ : TV
27. “Get ___ here!” (“Scram!”)
28. Get guns again
30. Yellow, as a banana
31. Art of “The Honeymooners”
34. Star pitcher
37. Likely reaction to fried ants
38. Creature who might disagree
with the saying at the ends of 17-,
22-, 48- and 56-Across
39. Opposite of mult.
40. “O Sole ___”
41. Perjury and piracy, for two
42. Vena ___ (passage to the
heart)
43. Author Ephron and others
45. Not liquid or gaseous
46. Honey makers
48. Be deliberative
52. Moral standards
54. Bar mitzvah scroll
55. “Now!,” in Nicaragua
56. Not wanting to be shot?
60. Send, as payment
61. Paradigm of happiness
62. Final Four org.
63. Gown
64. ___ Ranger
65. Airhead
Reminder: Trick or Treat Night
October 30th in Toms River
UNLIKE MOST TOWNS, where costumed children corner of Washington Street & Hooper Ave.
trick-or-treat on Halloween, Toms River trick-or- Motorists are reminded to be extra careful on
treat is held on October 30th, the day before Hal- Monday, October 30th and be aware of the chil-
loween. Trick-or-treat is scheduled a day early so dren on the street. Parents are advised to ac-
that families can attend the annual Toms River company children or have them trick-or-treat in
Halloween Parade, which begins at 7 pm on Octo- groups. Children should carry a flashlight, stay on
ber 31st. The parade starts at the Toms River Shop- the sidewalks when possible, and only go to houses
ping Center on the corner of Rt. 37 & Rt. 166 (Main where the porch light is on. Parents should avoid
St.). The parade then travels down Main Street costumes which prevent children from seeing
turning left onto Washington Street ending at the clearly or present a danger of tripping.
10 Toms River Tribune
DOWN
1. Actress Gardner
2. “I’ve got a mule, and her name is ___”
3. Be under the weather
4. Throw a bone to
5. Indigenous New Zealanders
6. Young’s partner in accounting
7. “Be silent,” musically
8. Honest ___ (presidential moniker)
9. Came down to earth
10. TV’s “___ Room”
11. “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as
great as I am” speaker
12. Drug from poppies
13. Answer
18. Oom-pah-pah instrument
21. Derisive looks
22. Discussion site
23. One of the Mario Brothers
24. Classic 1982 movie line spoken with
an outstretched finger
25. Bert’s pal on “Sesame Street”
29. Affirmative vote
31. Gem units
32. Like the witness in “Witness”
33. Meas. of engine speed
35. Honda model with a palindromic
name
36. Circumvent
38. Passé TV hookup
42. Ranch worker
44. Egyptian god of the underworld
45. Proxima Centauri, for one
46. Feature of Dumbledore or Merlin
47. Old-time anesthetic
49. Author Calvino
50. “___ is an island ...”
51. Krispy ___ doughnuts
53. Meowers
56. 250, in old Rome
57. Chem., for one
58. Fedora or fez
59. Big name in Bosox history
Op Ed: A CAREER IN POLITICS PAYS WELL
ESPECIALLY FOR REPUBLICANS IN TOMS RIVER

SOME PEOPLE ENTER POLITICS to
serve the public, some get in for the
power, and some to satisfy their ego.
It looks like Republican politicians in
Toms River, at least those currently
in office, are in it for the money. A lot
of money. Money for themselves, for
their families, and for their political
allies.
On paper, a Councilman in Toms
River earns a modest $8,921 a year for
their part-time position. But Republi-
can Council members Kubiel, Maruca
and Geoghegan take much more than
that from the public’s pocket. Togeth-
er, these three councilman take home
nearly half a million dollars in total
compensation and public pension
payments.
Some of the Council members’ fam-
ilies are on the public payroll as well.
Just this summer, Councilman Ku-
biel’s daughter was hired as a analyst
trainee at the Ocean County Planning
Board. Her previous job was a recep-
tionist in a veterinary office, accord-
ing to an article in PoliticsOC.com, a
local news site. Councilman Carr’s son
and Councilman Manforti’s daughter
were both given jobs at the Toms River
MUA, a notorious patronage pit.
Toms River taxpayers pay Republi-
can officials from other towns as well.
Jackson Councilwoman Anne Upde-
grave ($82,984), Manchester Coun-
cilman Brendan Weiner ($127,176),
Republican Club President Robert
Dibiase ($98,846), and former Brick
Mayor Stephen Acropolis ($165,969)
all receive public salaries and benefits
paid for by the residents of Toms Riv-
er.
Maria Maruca, Kevin Geoghegan
and Al Manforti are all running for
re-election this year. Voters tired of
out-of-control patronage should help
them “retire” from Council.

Taxpayer-Funded Jobs*, Council Members and Family Members

Councilman Kubiel Toms River Fire Commision Director + Council Salary $190,933

Councilwoman Maruca Motor Vehicle Agency Appointee + Council Salary $103,298

Councilman Geoghegan Public Pension + Berkeley Twp Job + Council Salary $157,938

Councilman Kubiel’s Daughter Ocean County Planning Board $48,408

Councilman Carr’s Son Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority $87,981

Councilman Manforti’s Daughter Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority $56,667

*Total Compensation includes Salary, Pension Payments, and Benefits Package

Special Election Issue 11