By Charles Layton
The man who is seeking to replace Mary Beth Jahn on the Neptune Township Committee was himself replaced Monday night. The Township Committee voted not to reappoint Nicholas Williams to his seat on the board of the Neptune Housing Authority.
It was an unmistakable signal that Committeewoman Jahn and Mayor Randy Bishop are prepared to fight back against those in the local Democratic Party who wish to remove Jahn.
Jahn has said the party’s municipal chairman, James Mowczan, is opposing her candidacy for reelection because of a dispute over an important job appointment. Jahn has refused to support the hiring of James Manning Jr., a former Neptune mayor, as the township’s next business administrator when Philip Huhn retires from that post at the end of this year. Manning, she says, is not qualified. However, Williams, who seeks to replace Jahn on the Township Committee, is thought to favor Manning’s appointment, although he has made no public statements to that effect. (An attempt to reach Williams for comment was unsuccessful.)
It was a tense moment at Monday night’s meeting when the Committee came to consider whether to reappoint Williams to the housing board. Jahn moved to appoint Beverly Holland, a former Neptune Board of Education president, instead of Williams. Mayor Bishop asked if anyone wished to second that motion. When the other three committee members — Eric Houghtaling, Kevin McMillan and Dr. Michael Brantley — remained silent, Bishop said, “All right, then, I’ll second it.”
When the vote was taken, Bishop and Jahn voted for Holland’s appointment. The other three abstained. Gene Anthony, the Township’s attorney, then ruled that, according to the law, when members of a public body abstain not based on a vested interest, their abstentions are treated as in agreement with the majority of those voting. And so, Jahn’s motion passed. By abstaining, Houghtaling, McMillan and Brantley were able to finesse an uncomfortable situation, allowing Bishop and Jahn to have their way without themselves overtly defying other leaders of their party.
Houghtaling, McMillan and Brantley appeared to be trying to avoid taking sides in what has quickly, over the past three days, developed into an open war among Neptune democrats, with Bishop and Jahn on one side and Mowczan and Williams on the other.
After the vote, no more was said about the matter — until time came for public comments from the floor. At that point, Kennedy Buckley of Ocean Grove rose and delivered a speech denouncing the Neptune Democratic Party leadership for trying to pressure the Township Committee into hiring Manning. He also praised Jahn for standing up against that pressure. “It just stinks to high heaven,” he said. He appealed to other members of the Committee to follow Jahn’s example. His appeal was answered with a tense silence.
Much would seem to be riding on the outcome of this struggle over Jahn’s seat on the Committee. Here is some background:
Jahn and Brantley are both up for reelection this year. On Saturday morning, Neptune’s Democratic district leaders, in a meeting at Mom’s Kitchen, voted — apparently by a narrow margin — to recommend that Brantley, but not Jahn, be given special priority on the ballot in the party’s June 5 primary election. In place of Jahn, the district leaders voted to recommend that Williams be listed on the party’s “line” on the ballot.
However, the final decision about that lies with the County Democratic Party and its chairman, Victor Scudiery. If Scudiery decides in favor of Williams, Jahn’s chances of winning the primary will be diminished, because she would lose the more favorable ballot position as well as the campaign support of the party. However, if Scudiery rejects the Neptune party’s recommendation and sticks with Jahn, that would constitute a defeat for Mowczan, for Williams and probably also for Manning. (The Republicans are not considered to have much chance in the general election, no matter who the Democrats’ candidates turn out to be.)
In case Scudiery rules against her, Jahn was gathering signatures on a petition Tuesday to assure that she has a place on the primary ballot.
The outcome of this struggle could effect Ocean Grove in tangible ways. Although Ocean Grove is a Republican stronghold, Jahn has developed a following here because of her positions on some important local issues. These include the North End redevelopment and the problem of derelict buildings in Ocean Grove.
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For more information and background on the local party’s move against Jahn’s candidacy, go here.
So Charles, are you telling me that this mighty sweet part time salary position will bloom into a six figure salary position and they aren’t looking for the most qualified just the most connected person?! I don’t believe that is a wise use of my tax dollars. Thank goodness Randy and Mary Beth are looking out for me.
EMM — That would be the job, yes. The person hired for that would become Phil Huhn’s part-time assistant — a trainee, if you will — and then when Huhn retired at the end of this year the assistant would step into his job. This job is, by Neptune standards, a huge political plum. Huhn earns about $151,000 a year as business administrator.
The Township Committee will decide who gets this job.
If I could get back to the story, is the position Manning wants the one that was listed in Sunday’s 2/19 Asbury Park Press? A part time position with a salary range of $10,000 – $85,000 and a closing date of 2/20 (Presidents Day)
Somebody, anybody, please put forward on this blog a proposal that might improve the OG parking situation. Then let the commenters have at it. Out of the ensueing smoke something credible might develop.
Well, Gosh, I’m sitting here looking at all the paperwork for RSIS and I’m not sure what you’re reading, but it’s not communication from or to the state.
The Parking Committee has no power and is not tasked with recommending or not recommending that certain types of structures be allowed or not allowed; that is not their area of expertise. The North End project plan, as it stands right now, requires the construction of off-street parking for the hotel and the condos. The Township cannot restrict the types of projects that are proposed for Ocean Grove. If those projects require variance relief or height, density, parking, or anything else, the builder has the right to appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for relief via variance. Declaring the North End as an area in need of redevelopment allowed the Committee to set requirements for parking. The Zoning Board is a quasi-judicial board, which means that it has no Township Committee representation and decisions must be appealed in Superior Court.
Mary Beth You are so wrong about the RSIS not allowing what you call head-on parking; you must mean diagional parking.The RSIS did NOT state that in any of the meetings that Neptune participated in. You should check your documentation from them if needed; I have them.
The SITES Comm. works with every municipality in the state.They are not there to create more problems; they are there to suggest what is best for the community and they will modify all parking standards as needed, from a historic district to an average community; but most of all they have to consider the safety of the public.
The last thing that the SITES Comm. will not tolorate is the “special parking standard” that Neptune presented to them which consisted of allowing NO parking for homes and condo’s and just put the burden on the residents. But after documentation and photos of our mess, the SITES Comm told Neptune to come up with a parking solution for O.G. and to INCLUDE the N.End; but Neptune has ignored them.
Mary Beth,
Did the Ocean Grove Parking Committee issue a report on their study of the parking situation? Did anyone recommend to stop building more condos? Since your committee was formed (and now disbanded) 22 new condos were built on Ocean Pathway, 4 condos on Atlantic and 9 on Surf.
Even Asbury Park requires parking for new condos. If they can abide by state law (RSIS) why can’t Neptune?
Why is the unit density for the planned North End 44 units per acre while the rest of Neptune has a unit density of 8 per acre?
Parker, the state Residential Site Improvement Standards Commission (RSIS) will not allow any more head-in parking than what already exists in Ocean Grove, and actually, they would like to remove what head-in parking we already have.
To clarify an erroneous statement made by someone in this chain of comments, I was NOT in favor of installing parking meters in Ocean Grove when the topic arose in 2010. Even though the Ocean Grove Parking Committee has been dormant for a period of time, our group consisted of Ocean Grove residents, business owners, the Camp Meeting Association and representatives of both the police and fire departments. It is through the information shared in that group that we were able to compare the number of residences (including apartment buildings) versus the number of available parking spots and allowed the Township to participate in the three-year train-to-the-beach shuttle.
I was, however, treated to having a half-empty bottle of water bounced off my head while someone yelled “No parking meters!” during the 2010 July 4th parade.
Grover Too — tell me about parking I’m at the N. End and between the condo’s,the LaPierre apartments, people parking to work and beach in A.P. there is no parking.
If the parking standards were enforced you would NOT lose any parking spaces. Actually the main reason why Bishop and Jahn and others were trying to change the standards for their special standards is this would of eliminated any parking requirements in the Grove.
If the parking standards were enforced this would mean the condos and new homes would have to provide parking AND this would mean these buildings would have to be built smaller WHICH would bring less ratables to Neptune. GET IT?
The RSIS in Trenton did not table the parking. In fact they told Neptune to come up with a parking solution but until then they were to use the RSIS standards that are used throughout the state. Also the RSIS wanted Neptune to show the N.End parking to be included. Actually when photos of condos that are built in the Grove were shown to the RSIS comm. they were shocked that no parking was supplied. If anyone is interested in what transpired in Trenton with the RSIS I would be glad to show the letters of the meetings that the RSIS sent me.
There are many solutions for parking but solutions would make construction build smaller and less revenue.
Has it ever been proposed to put diagonal parking in (like on Main near the shops) up all the way up the gates on Main? That would add quite a few parking spots.
Ocean Grove with Parking Meters … Are you people trying to stage your own special version of the The Hunger Games? That must be it. The Parking Games. Where the winner gets to park within walking distance of their home!
anonyken – Then they shouldn’t have sent out a violation letter to everyone who didn’t have a grass strip. Regardless, you’re doing a good job enforcing it on HPC. Keep it up.
Gosh, this summer you will be praying that we had gotten parking meters. With both Bradley and Asbury Park enforcing their parking, there is only one place to go for free — here! Good luck all.
Please enlighten me on the State’s brilliant recommendation. I do know that if OG went to RSIS standards, we could possibly LOSE 100-150 parking spaces or more.Every space would have to be 30′ from a stop sign, the emergency turning areas at corners would have to get larger, losing spaces, curb cuts would be allowed (permanently losing 2-2.5 street spaces for each one), and parking would be allowed in the historic flare with drive ways. How is that an improvement?
The RSIS Committee in Trenton tabled it because it created more problems than it cured.
It is my understanding that grass strips at the curb are in a townwide NEPTUNE TWP. ORDINANCE whereas the HPC’s concern was with upholding the HISTORIC DISTRICT ORDINANCE in the Flare east of CENTRAL AVE.
Taxes are raised because inflation sucks and Trenton is taking your utility taxes and not returning them. Also, yeah, look at the school board for that one. (You know, the school board that Nick Williams got voted off of? At least half of your tax issues lie with them.)
What has Ms. Jahn done? She’s fighting the North End Development. She’s fighting against slum landlords and derelict houses (though not as fast as some people would like). Her financial leadership managed to get the town’s credit rating raised when the nation’s was being downgraded. She’s trying to get a beach shuttle to ease the parking issue. She told the HPC to knock off their stupid crap with the grass strips.
I don’t understand when it came to fight against parking meters Mary Beth took the easy road of being in favor of meters then after pressure rescinded.
When it came to enforcing the parking standards handed down from the SITES Comm. she sided with Bishop and refused the state’s recommendation that would of lightened the burden of parking. Taxes are raised.
The list goes on show us what she has actually done to improve Ocean Grove. I’m missing it.
Yeah, let’s show those Democratic district leaders it’s wrong to play political games…by playing political games right back.
In the saga of the six degrees of Jim Manning I believe that Nick Williams shares a similar situation about not being able to hold a position on the Housing Board while being an elected township official. The same Hatch Act forced state-employee Manning to withdraw from the election two years ago. Mr. Williams leaving so early shows how confident he is of being elected in the fall, otherwise he resigned for no reason.
Being new to Ocean Grove I am not familiar with the lady named to replace Williams. What is her background? Is she qualified for a position on the TNHA or is that a political appointment too?
wow, & all this B.S from the party that is in power & really can’t lose it because of the makeup of the town. I am not a M.B.J. fan at all, but I have to give her credit for not wanting an UNQUALIFIED person to take over one of the most powerful positions in town government. No wonder not many want to get involved with politics these days. Favoritism at its finest ( worst )
“Now Williams is knocked off a very successful housing authority because of what reason.”
Why don’t you ask Brantley, McMillan, and Houghteling who played the dead fish. I mean, these are his PEERS, right?
If you were “told,” how would you know they are the “true facts”?
Take the word of someone who was there. They are not indeed the “true facts.”
Jason Jones had the least amount of votes.
As for Mr. Williams’ ouster, I didn’t see the “peers” who chose him selecting him last night to remain on the Housing Authority. In fact, they all just rolled over and played dead.
And lastly, the vast majority of Democrats in Neptune want nothing to do with this club. That’s why it’s enrollment is so low and dying. The chairman does nothing to cultivate new membership and seems to prefer having the same dozen people continue to make the decisions.
I cant understand the attacks on the whole thing here. I was told that Ms Jahn finished with the least amount of votes losing to Williams, Brantley, Jason Jones and from people who were there. Her sister counted the votes and knew the results with the official vote counter. Williams was not even elected yet but have him choosing the next Business Manager who will not be leaving until after the person is selected. The interview process has already started. Now Williams is knocked off a very sucessful housing authority because of what reason. That he won the Democratic support from all his peers. Thiese are the true facts. ms jahn was sent the message loud and clear that day. If she was so wonderful she finished last. It is a democratic way that this is done every year and the democratic leaders spoke up.
“Like sand through an hourglass, these are the Days of our Lives”
Sal,
OG has three voting districts. Democrats have only carried one in the past three elections — including Randy’s last election. It is considered a Republican stronghold, though not as strong as it once was (i.e. The Catley Years). Also, there are TWO Republican strongholds — OG and Shark River Hills.
Charles… 55% to 45% does NOT make OG a republican stronghold. 95% to 5% in midtown for one party makes for a stronghold but not a 10% difference. The last time Mary Beth ran I believe her main opponent LIVED in OG. The last time Randy ran he won in OG.
West Neptune, The Hills, Seaview Island, The Gables and OG are all split evenly. There is only one stronghold in an otherwise balanced Neptune. Facts are facts.
Ocean Grove clearly does remain an island of Republicanism in largely Democratic Neptune Township. In the last election the Republican candidate for Township Committee received 55% of the vote in Ocean Grove but only 44% of the vote in Neptune as a whole. In the races for other offices the percentages were similar.
The last time Mary Beth Jahn ran, which was in 2009, she and her Democratic running mate, Michael Brantley, came in well behind their Republican opponents in Ocean Grove, but defeated them in Neptune as a whole. And so it goes.
Back to Sal’s comment. He only illustrates what I just said about Ocean Grove screaming at the machine; but failing to follow thru on election day with votes against that same machine.
Folks, what are we doing here? You have no right to complain about a problem and then do nothing whatsoever about it by continuing to elect the same Democrats that blow you off all of the time.
But, the fact is that there will be a primary. If Mary Beth chooses to run as a Democrat in the primary and loses that primary to Nick Williams, it’s even money that you will all end up voting for the same Democrats that cast Jahn aside. You know it and I know it.
False Bravado means nothing.
Mary Beth could also run as an independent, but she would have to make that decision now, to go on the ballot as a Democrat primary candidate, or to wait and run as an independent Democrat in the fall against any other candidates on the Ballot.
Both scenarios have their own merits and deficits.
I hope the residents of Neptune and Ocean Grove realize that it would be a travesty to lose Mary Beth Jahn as a Committee person. She has been one of Ocean Grove’s biggest supporters in many town issues. She is one of the most knowledgeable committee members on town issues. The most important thing is she sticks up for what is right and she will put herself on the line to represent the residents of Ocean Grove and Neptune (even when there is so much pressure from other committee members, Neptune’s administration and the Neptune Democratic party). She is absolutely right not to want Mr. Manning as the Neptune administrator. The town administrator’s position is not suppose to be a political position and if Mr. Manning gets this position it would become totally political. Mr. Manning is a good old Neptune boy who has been involved in Neptune politics for a long time. If you look at the job description, qualifications and needed experience, Mr. Manning does not meet these requirements. I admire Mary Beth for sticking to her guns on this issue and bringing this form of cronyism to the public’s attention so we can do something about it. I hope the County Democratic Party realizes that the local democratic party made a terrible mistake in not nominating Mary Beth. Neptune does not need to get involved with more cronyism especially after the controversial issues like BIG RIG. The democratic party can nip this in the bud by nominating Mary Beth for Committee person and the town not hiring James Manning as the Neptune Administrator. Please support Mary Beth Jahn and campaign for her in the future election.
“Ocean Grove is a Republican stronghold” has not been true for at least seven or eight years and the change continues regardless of Mary Beth or even Randy Bishop. If Blogfinger wants to be thought of as a real news source then you need to have facts to back up a statement. Voter registration and election results have shown OG to be split evenly and this is a critical reason that our Committee has been, and will continue to be, Democratic.