Burry statement about labor counsel Giacobbe

FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) -- Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry released the following statement regarding a letter she received today from Monmouth County’s labor counsel, Matthew J. Giacobbe:

“Today, I received a letter from our labor counsel, Matt Giacobbe, expressing his intention to not reapply as labor counsel later this summer in the event that Joseph W. Oxley seeks and wins the chairmanship of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.

“Mr. Giacobbe and Mr. Oxley are currently employed by the same law firm. It is evident a potential conflict could arise. Therefore, I would like to thank Mr. Giacobbe for his early notification and sensitivity for doing the right thing.

“Furthermore, I would like to add that Mr. Giacobbe has served the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the people of Monmouth County very well in difficult contract negotiations with some 20 different labor unions these last three years. His services will be missed.”

‘Horse racing equals open space’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2008

Save the Horse Committee meets, outlines goals
Panel lends support to bill endorsing video lottery terminals at racetracks

FREEHOLD – If something isn’t done soon to help New Jersey’s ailing horse racing industry, the impact will be felt in an eventual decline of the quality of life in Monmouth County and the rest of New Jersey when horse farms close and breeders move their operations elsewhere.

“We are fast approaching the critical point where once we begin losing horse farms there will be no turning it around,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, who created a “blue ribbon” panel to lobby the governor and Legislature to enact measures that would help the industry. “The quality of life in New Jersey is the most important contribution the horse industry makes – in every county.”

The “Save the Horse Committee,” formed by Freeholder Burry and comprising a variety of stakeholders, held its first meeting recently and dedicated itself to lobbying state officials to make them understand the value the horse and, particularly, the horseracing industry brings to the state’s economy.

According to a 2007 report by Rutgers University, the economic impact of New Jersey’s horse industry is $1.1 billion a year. Some 13,000 jobs are created by equine operations and racetracks, and an estimated $160 million is generated annually in federal, state and local taxes.

“The exodus of horses and breeders will continue until the state changes its attitude and establishes a long-term solution to make the racetracks of New Jersey self-sufficient and lucrative for our horsemen,” said Nancy Grbelja, chairwoman of the newly formed committee.

One of the chief concerns among committee members is that left unchanged, the lack of support for horse racing will lead to a decline in the quality of life when horse farms and horses begin disappearing from the New Jersey landscape as breeders move their operations to other states.

There are 176,000 acres utilized by equine operations in New Jersey – 96,000 of these acres are directly related to horse activities, and 78,000 acres are devoted to pasture and hay production, according to the Rutgers report. Another 46,000 acres in New Jersey produce hay and grain for horses. In total, the equine-related acres represent about one-fifth of the state’s 790,000 acres in agriculture.

“Agricultural and horse farms will turn into housing developments if we let the horse industry slip away,” Grbelja said. “We must make our representatives in Trenton understand so they can take the necessary action to preserve what we have. Once we lose a horse farm, we can never get it back.”

The biggest threat to the state’s horse industry comes from neighboring states such as New York and Pennsylvania, where racetracks have slot machines that are drawing gambling dollars away from New Jersey, said Jerold L. Zaro, a Save the Horse Committee member who is also a commissioner of the New Jersey Sports & Exhibition Authority.

Zaro points to the Atlantic City casinos, which he said have lobbied hard against any attempts to allow slot machines and video lottery terminals (VLTs) at racetracks. At the same time, they have invested in slot machines at racetracks in these neighboring states. Two of New Jersey’s racetracks are located in Monmouth County: Freehold Raceway and Monmouth Park in Oceanport.

“Casinos are being subsidized here in New Jersey because in they are allowed to pay just 9.2 percent in taxes whereas casinos in other states pay as much as 50 percent, ” Zaro said. “They refuse to allow other forms of gambling at New Jersey racetracks, such as slot machines or VLTs, yet they invest in facilities they own out of state, luring gambling money away from New Jersey.”

In New Jersey, “horse racing equals open space,” Zaro added.

The “Save the Horse Committee” has endorsed S-1481, a bill by Sen. Sean T. Kean, R-Monmouth, that would allow racetracks to install video lottery terminals.

The next meeting of the “Save the Horse Committee” is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 9 in the second-floor conference room at the Monmouth County Hall of Records, Freehold.

The members of the “Save the Horse Committee” are as follows: Lillian G. Burry, Colts Neck, Monmouth County Freeholder director; Nancy Grebelja, Millstone, currently serving as Mayor of Millstone; Stephen Dey, Upper Freehold, veterinarian, Board of Directors of the Horse Park of New Jersey; Tom Luchento, Freehold Township, president of Standard Bred Breeders and Owners Association; John Ryan, Colts Neck, thoroughbred breeder; Pat Butch, Millstone, standardbred breeder; Joe Jennings, Allentown, thoroughbred breeder; Karen Jennings, Allentown, thoroughbred breeder; George Richdale Sr., Colts Neck, organizer of the Monmouth County Horse Show; Jerold Zaro, commissioner, New Jersey Sports & Exhibition Authority; Judith Stanley, Middletown, executive director, Monmouth Conservation Foundation; and Bea Duffy, director, Monmouth County Department of Economic Development

Politicker has good convention story

Max Pizarro from the Politicker was at the GOP convention last night and has turned in a story about it on that site.

In the story, he said, "Burry was blunt in describing where the campaign's focus would be over the coming months. 'We're really running against (Gov. Jon) Corzine,' she said."

With respect to Freeholder Director Burry, I do not believe the GOP candidates are just running against the governor. There is a pattern of superfluous patronage and partisanship that is unacceptable (e.g. Malcolm Carton and John Tobia, among others) in Monmouth County, operating within the Monmouth County Republican Party and many of its candidates and office holders.

This patronage is costing this county money in high hourly rates and talent, in that unqualified and over-priced partisan appointments are the way things still happen in the county seat. What arm of the GOP someone operates within, and who is related to what GOP officer, is sometimes THE key factor in any county employment.

Yes, financially, this board did the right thing this year with the tax rate by not raising taxes -- now let's talk about cutting them. But a fundamental change to the approach of this government is necessary for Republicans to be the best choice for service on this board this year.

If anyone is able to say, 'That was then and this is now,' the idea that these kinds of appointments to office (or selection of firms) will continue to go on would be unacceptable to many, myself included. Personally, I am very interested to hear about how this isn't going to go on anymore, even if errors of the past cannot be dealt with (e.g. the money already wasted on partisan professionals).

Republican office holders may want to be nice, but they should do it with their own money and not the taxpayers'. I am sure there will be a position about this: I know I'll be asking the questions. I can only hope they are answered.

Click on the headline to go to The Politicker.

Op-Ed from Freeholder Director Lillian Burry

BY LILLIAN G. BURRY

There is no single power of government that directly touches the lives of more people than the power to tax. It is with this fact in mind that I approach each new budget.

The process this year was made particularly more difficult by the combination of a slowing national economy, which was reflected in a lower growth rate in Monmouth County as well, and the continuing fiscal turmoil at the state capitol in Trenton.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has adopted its 2008 budget that holds the line on taxes without sacrificing county programs.

Due to years of mismanagement and waste in state government, New Jersey residents will see their cost of living in New Jersey rise once again when Gov. Corzine and the Legislature shift more of the tax burden to local government in the name of fiscal accountability.

Noting that the governor’s plan to tighten the state’s belt will mean less in property tax rebates, municipal aid and school funding, the Board of Chosen Freeholders decided now is not the time to impose an additional tax burden on Monmouth County residents.

Therefore, there will be no increase in county taxes this year.

Taking the budget “on the road” so that residents could have an opportunity to examine the county’s spending plan and offer their input was invaluable. For those who took time away from their families to offer their comments, we heard you loud and clear.

As introduced in January, the budget contained an $8 million increase in the tax levy, or 2.8 percent, a figure that is below the rate of inflation for the third year in a row. We calculated that increase to equal about 9 cents a day for the average-priced Monmouth County home.

Following citizen input and especially after learning what the governor’s budget has in store for us, we could not in good faith ask our residents for another penny, let alone 9 cents.
The Board whittled the $8 million down to zero without tapping into our fund balance, as had been suggested. Applying more of the fund balance this year would have put us in a hole going into next year’s budget cycle. Instead, we achieved a zero tax increase this way:

• the county realized additional savings from a refinanced bond sale;

• recalculated its anticipated Social Security and disability insurance costs based on the experience in the first two months of this year;

• scaled back on capital improvements and will utilize unexpended balances in existing capital appropriations;
I feel it is a responsible plan because it creates no new debt and no additional tax burden. Despite our rising costs, the Board has found a way to fix the amount to be raised by taxation exactly as it was in 2007.

Pension increases and utility costs are largely responsible for the increase in the overall budget. The state’s mismanagement of the pension fund – by allowing a payment “holiday” several years ago – has resulted in mandatory annual pension payments to rise by 50 to 100 percent a year to cover the shortfall. Not only are all of New Jersey’s municipalities and counties paying dearly for Trenton’s mistakes, but they are required to pay the money back at 8.25 percent interest annually.
For each of the last three years, the Board of Chosen Freeholders has examined the county’s spending practices with the sole purpose of identifying areas where savings can be found.

We have employed new technologies in renewable energy to turn our landfill operation into a money-maker. Within the next two years, the gas-to-energy program will result in a savings of more than $1 million in electricity costs alone.

We have reduced overtime significantly – by $2 million since 2005.
Our consulting contracts are reviewed openly and transparently as they come up. We have reduced the costs associated with these contracts.

Meanwhile, the Board has been implementing recommendations in the Budget Review Committee’s report. The county is preparing a strategic plan and we are conducting an IT audit to identify areas ripe for savings. The IT audit is being conducted for free by Monmouth University.

County government provides services that the state does not provide and towns cannot afford on their own:

• All volunteer firefighters in Monmouth County can get their training at the county’s Fire Academy for free. Basic training at the county’s Police Academy costs $750.

• The county provides 911 and emergency services to 44 towns.

• The county has 38 award winning parks. The county recently passed a milestone by celebrating its 100 millionth visitor to the county park system.

• Brookdale Community College is one of the largest and best-ranked community colleges in
the state. The county also maintains and operates five vocational schools that are national award winners.

• The Monmouth County Library system is the largest circulating library in the state.
The county budget shouldn’t be about bailing out Trenton’s failure to adequately address the long-term problems associated with pensions and school funding, which we have no control over.
While tax troubles for the people of New Jersey may be far from over, one thing is certain – Monmouth County won’t be part of the problem.

* Lillian G. Burry is the director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

DiMaso and Curley are contending for freeholder nod

The Democratic race for freeholder is still open. In the GOP, though, the choice for the Monmouth County Committee includes Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso and Red Bank Councilman John Curley.

The two GOP contenders are a study in contrast. Mayor DiMaso is a mainstream party enthusiast, who is popular with those in charge of the party in Freehold. She is a favorite of the Middletown GOP and she has worked within the structure of the party for many years. Mayor DiMaso is popular in her hometown, and well known in Northern Monmouth County.

Councilman Curley is known as a maverick -- true -- but has a reputation for plain honesty and competence. He is a hard campaigner who is less a creature of the GOP than he is a force of nature. Councilman Curley is a grassroots kind of candidate, who is likely to translate well with the electorate but maybe not so much with the inner circles of the GOP.

Both candidates are strong comers and have solid credentials to go to Freehold. Mayor DiMaso will probably make the core infrastructure of the party more enthusiastic, and Councilman Curley is likely to energize the grassroots and build bridges with some of the factions of the party where ties have been strained.

The issue of who will run with Freeholder Director Lillian Burry is another question. Running two women on a ticket is non-traditional, but this has been anything but a traditional year. A more conventional scenario would be a man and a woman running, which would give the edge to Councilman Curley. What's next? Good question.

Doing a story about young people and voting

Courier Intern Melissa Gaffney is working on an upcoming story about young people voting, and why they should be involved. The story will feature input from Monmouth County's public information officer, Bill Heine, and Freeholder Director Lillian Burry.

This election, perhaps more than any other in recent history, is setting a new course for our state and nation. Be sure to read next week's Courier for more on Decision 2008: The Youth.

To contribute to the story, call Melissa at 732-957-0070.

Burry marks battle's anniversary at NWS Earle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 2007

Freeholder Burry, Navy mark the Battle of Midway

COLTS NECK – Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian G. Burry and representatives from Naval Weapons Station Earle marked the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway today with an overview of the famous World War II battle and the placing of a wreath.

The battle, fought June 4 through June 7, 1942 near the central Pacific island of Midway, is considered the most decisive single naval battle in U.S. history. It signaled a turning point in the war in the Pacific and helped shape the future of Europe as well. Before this, the Japanese were on the offensive, capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific.

The Japanese had planned to capture Midway to use as an advance base, as well as to entrap and destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Because of communication intelligence successes, the U.S. Pacific Fleet surprised the Japanese forces, sinking the four Japanese carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor only six months before. After Midway, the Americans and their Allies took the offensive in the Pacific.

“The Battle of Midway was the turning point of World War II and the victory signaled the beginning of the end for the Imperial Japanese Navy,” Freeholder Burry said. “We can never forget the ultimate sacrifices that were made by our U.S. Navy seamen and U.S. Marines.”

Following welcoming remarks by Lt. Cmdr. E.M. Prezioso, Master Chief Joseph Eppolito and Cmdr. Richard Valentine presented an overview and interpretation of this important battle.

The Japanese were shaken by an April 1942 air raid led by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, in which targets in Tokyo, Yokosuka and a score of other towns were hit. A battle scheme was drawn up by the Japanese to attack the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the waters around Midway in order to move the line of battle away from Japan. However, earlier that year, Americans had broken the Japanese naval code and had been able read at least 10 percent of the Japanese Navy’s radio transmissions.

“The Battle of Midway changed the world forever,” Eppolito said. “The balance of sea power shifted from the Japanese to the United States and set the table for our later successes.”

Valentine said that it was because of Midway that the United States did not have to fight the enemy on its own soil, because the Japanese never got that far. “England had its Battle of London,” he said. “The only reason we didn’t have a Battle of America is because there was a Battle of Midway. The Japanese turned back and their opportunity was lost forever.”

Japan’s loss of four out of its six fleet carriers, plus a large number of their highly trained aircrews, stopped the expansion of the Japanese Empire in the Pacific.

“The Battle of Midway enabled the U.S. Navy to go on the offensive, which is why this battle was so important,” Freeholder Burry said. “Thanks to American signals intelligence, judicious aircraft carrier tactics and some luck, the U.S. Navy inflicted a devastating defeat on the Japanese.”

The wreath-placing ceremony led by Valentine with assistance from Freeholder Burry.

Freeholder Burry salutes American women in keynote speech

PRESS RELEASE

William Heine
Department of Public Information
Phone: 732-431-7310 wheine@co.monmouth.nj.us

For Immediate Release

April 3, 2007

Freeholder Burry salutes American women in keynote speech

COLTS NECK TOWNSHIP -- Freeholder Lillian Burry attributes her success in buisness and politics to the generations of American women who came before her.

"I've been able to achieve my goals because I stand on the shoulders of American women who have helped me shape my life," she said during a celebration of Women's History Month, held March 29 in the Chapel at Naval Weapons Station Earle. "As we honor Women's History Month, we pay homage to the women who came before us, and we hold the torch high for all those who will follow."

Burry, deputy director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, was keynote speaker at the celebration, titled "Generations of Women Moving Forward in History."