Ask if Republicans Agree with their Standard-Bearer

Democrats Oppose McCain Bush-Republican Offshore Drilling Plan

OCEAN TWP – Amy Mallet (D-Fair Haven) and Glenn Mason (D-Hazlet) today announced their opposition to the Republican proposal of lifting the ban on offshore drilling. They also asked the county Republicans if they feel the same way as Senator and presidential candidate John McCain who announced, with President Bush, their desire to lift the ban.

One of Monmouth County’s largest industries is tourism, and many local businesses thrive on tourists that visit Monmouth County. “Lifting this ban could have catastrophic consequences – not only for our environment, but for the economy in Monmouth County. I would certainly hope that the County Republicans would care more about our local economy than Bush and McCain, but we haven’t heard a word from them,” said Mallet.

“I adamantly oppose this proposal and want to know where Republican Freeholder Director Lillian Burry and Republican Councilman John Curley stand on the issue.” said Mason. The ban has been in place to protect fragile offshore ecosystems like the ones in Monmouth County.

Monmouth County is home to 27 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Protecting the waters off our shores has been central to the Democrats’ platform for decades. “Bush and McCain want to undo decades of progress that safeguards our shores from the dangers of offshore oil drilling” said Mason.

The current ban covers an estimated 80 percent of U.S. coastal waters, including all of the waters off of Monmouth County. “People from around the country come to Monmouth County for its beaches, and it is vital that we preserve our precious environment and fuel our local economy for future generations,” said Mallet.