Monmouth County Clerk M.Claire French at the OGHOA. PG photo
By Paul Goldfinger
Today, at a busy session of the OGHOA, some political candidates got to speak. Besides the four who are running for Neptune Township Committee, there was one more. M. Claire French (R) is the Monmouth County Clerk and she has held that office for the last 15 years. Now she is running for re-election against Michael Steinhorn (D), but only Mrs. French showed up today.
Her office is in Freehold, but she was excited today as she told us about her new satellite office which will open in one week on Route 66 in Neptune, next to Home Depot. It will be a place where multiple services will be provided in a location that is more convenient than Freehold for the majority of the Monmouth County population.
The office is equipped for video conferences, and many branches of local government will take advantage of that. You will be able to go to this satellite for passports, veterans’ ID’s, digitized records and many other services. The Governor has provided for discounts for vets through a special program, but vets have to go to the Clerk’s office for a special ID card. You must bring certain papers, so call first. (732 431 7324)
Here is a link where you can read all about those services: Monmouth County Clerk website
The County Clerk is involved with all aspects of voting. You can watch the local election results roll in on election night by going to visitmonmouth.com.
Mrs. French congratulated Ted Bell of Ocean Grove for winning the 2012 Jane G Clayton history award . See link:
Mrs. French has been married for 55 years, but despite her age, she seems very energetic, competent and enthusiastic. She would love for Ocean Grovers to visit the new office once it opens.