The BERKELEY Times Vol. 29 - No. 38
In This Week’s Edition
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Who Picks Your Politicians?
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Government
(Left) Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore landed a slew of political feats at the organization’s recent convention. (Right) Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione (pictured) both received vocal acclamation for their endorsement for the Republican primary line in the June primary.
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Community News Pages 8-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 23
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – Voters choose who they want to lead them, but how did the politicians even get on the ballot to begin with? That starts with the leaders of the two main parties. Ocean County’s political landscape will undoubtedly undergo significant shifts as a result of the recent GOP county convention.
With Democrats proving to be negligible competition, particularly in county-level races, the Republican elite’s choice of candidates has some wondering if a select group of people actually pick the winners even before voters go to the polls. George Gilmore’s comeback as the head of the Ocean County Republican Organization despite his con-
viction – and later pardon – for tax evasion reveals his stature as a powerful kingmaker in local politics. Notably, Gilmore is responsible for handpicking members of the screening committee, who interview and endorse candidates. Then, at the convention, the rest of the Republicans choose who is awarded the coveted county line. When looking at your
ballot, the “county line” candidates make one vertical line. Often, people will just vote for all candidates on the party line, without knowing much about them. In the race for the two available seats on the county commission, the five-member board that governs the county, Gilmore unveiled the screening committee’s (Politicians See Page 4)
March 9, 2024
Big Changes In School Regionalization Debate By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – A new date for a vote and the rescue of the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. school are some of the newest possibilities that have emerged in the question of whether Seaside Heights students should attend the Toms River Regional School District. Seaside received funding to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy. One of the contingencies is that they had to hire a company to do a feasibility study to see if money could be saved in certain ways. One of those ways was to pull out of Central Regional and join Toms River. This would create a potential windfall for Toms River taxpayers, but hurt the towns that make up the Central Re-
gional School District. Initially, the Toms River Board of Education requested a March 12 referendum, where all towns in the district would vote whether to add Seaside. As that date approached, it looked less and less likely. The district has since requested an April 16 referendum. The state only allows certain dates to hold elections. March 12 would have been the last, however Apr il 16 is set aside for “expansions.” Toms River believes that this fits the description of an expansion, while Central has asserted that there is no legal basis to have this vote on this date. If the state agrees with Central, it (School See Page 5)
Got Cool Antiques? “American Pickers” Return To NJ
Photo courtesy Cineflix
By Alyssa Riccardi NEW JERSEY – Do you have any remarkable relics or valuable antiques? Well, the “American Pickers” want to see your collections. The popular documentary series American Pickers will be making its way back to New Jersey this April,
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filming episodes for their upcoming season. The History Channel hit show follows skilled “pickers” as they explore the fascinating world of antique “picking” and hunt through people’s interesting items to find the most valuable antiques.
They’re always on the hunt for historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable characters and their collections. The Pickers are on a mission to “recycle and rescue forgotten relics” as they road trip from coast to coast. Through their searches,
they’re looking to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items with the hopes of finding historically significant objects. The team aims to give these valuables a new lease on life, while learning about (American Pickers See Page 9)
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