'The Wrestler,' filmed in Hazlet, was important to Rourke

NJ.com has a good story about Mickey Rourke, star of the upcoming film "The Wrestler" about a down-and-out wrestler seeking a comeback. Rourke was the star of several iconic 1980s movies like "9-1/2 Weeks," "Barfly" and "Angel Heart," among others.

As an aside, some of the scenes of the picture were shot in a mobile home park owned by Hazlet businessman and recent independent candidate for the committee John Conti. An excellent business person in his own right, Michael Conti, John's son, is the owner of the Shore Cafe, also in Hazlet. He described Rourke as a "class act who was very receptive to fans that approached him while he was in the area filming."

Rourke talks plainly about his career and life in this very good article. Click on the headline to go to the story.

Conti throws his hat into the ring in Hazlet

Hazlet resident John Conti, 66, has filed a petition today to run as an independent in the upcoming Hazlet Township Committee race. According to Conti, "I am not happy. I think the committee can do more to offset taxes than they are doing."

Conti is head of the Hazlet Business Association, though he was clear his run has nothing to do with the HBA. "This has nothing to do with that. I have not even asked for support from that organization."

Conti is the owner three mobile home parks in the township. He has been a member of the business community in Hazlet for more than 30 years.

The candidate is a true independent, who has alternatively supported candidates from either party. "I focus on the best person for the job based on qualifications," he concluded.

There is one open seat on the governing body this year, which comes with a three-year term.