The HOWELL Times
Vol. 21 - No. 52
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
People Entering Workforce After Jail Share Success Stories
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 6-8
Inside The Law Page 12
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 13
Classifieds Page 16
Photos by Stephanie Faughnan (From Left) Rob Carter, the program’s Director of Operations, shares his story of entering the workforce after his legal issues. Shondra Coleman shares her story concerning how NJ Reentry helped her reintegrate into the workforce. Janine Stefanelli explains her challenges of taking her life back. Eric Swain completed a vocational program to be a welder. By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – A packed room of officials and community leaders gathered to witness the grand opening of NJ Reentry Corporation’s new location. While two former governors and the Ocean County Prosecutor addressed
the crowd, the most impactful statements came from those not necessarily accustomed to the spotlight. Among them was Rob Carter, the program’s Director of Operations, whose stor y underscored NJ Reentry’s vital role in transforming lives.
Carter spoke candidly about the struggles of reintegrating into society after nine felony convictions and battling a severe addiction. Released from prison over 17 years ago, he didn’t have a support system like the one now offered by NJ Reentry. Instead, Carter faced
the uphill battle of trying to live as what he called a “normal” person – staying clean and finding a job. He admitted there were many times he just wanted to give up on the struggles he encountered. “I stumbled, and it took me ten years to (Success - See Page 3)
June 1, 2024
School Board Passes $150.2M Budget By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – At the recent Howell K-8 School District Board of Education meeting, members voted to adopt the $150.2 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. According to the board, the $150,223,495 budget will be supported by $87,382,416 in taxes collected from Howell’s residential and commercial property owners. The district’s general fund, which aids the majority of the district and its operation, is $132,092,296 with a tax levy of $87,317,615. Business Administrator Ronald Sanasac said the projected levy increase is $2,989,102, with the impact of the budget is a tax levy increase of 3.5% - representing the maximum allowed. At the May 6 meeting, the budget presentation was held, giving the public an inside look on the budget details before the board casts their votes. “It was an interesting year. Things went back and forth, up and down. We came up with a budget that is really sound and will continue to guide this board,” Sanasac said. “We have weathered a lot of storms along the way. It has been a tough seven years; it’s actually been a tough 15 years. But we are in good fiscal shape.” In the presentation, Sanasac discussed one of the major accomplishments of the budget which is maintaining and upgrading facilities – including the two schools that are transforming into Early Learning Centers. Universal Pre-K is a major undertaking this (School - See Page 2)
Farm Event Ordinance Stalled After Country Club Objection
By Stephanie Faughnan HOWELL – An ordinance allowing farmers to hold special events was put on hold after local authorities received a letter objecting to the legislation. The proposed ordinance, entitled “Farm Related Special Events,” was put on hold after authorities received a letter from attorney John Jackson on behalf of Eagle Oaks Gold and Country Club objecting to the ordinance. In the letter, Johnson argued that the proposed regulations would create an unfair playing field. Established and lawful banquet operations, like Eagle Oaks, have gone through considerable expense and regulatory
hurdles to operate their facilities. Johnson contends that the new ordinance would essentially “allow the circumvention of the ordinary regulatory controls” that govern improvements for businesses like Eagle Oaks. The attorney’s letter also raised concerns about the potential consequences on residents and businesses if farm events are not subject to more stringent regulations. These concerns included traffic congestion, noise, light pollution, and environmental damage. “This is something we were concerned with,” said Councilman Fred Gasior, who is running in the June Republican primary for mayor. “Because the ordinance is giving
preferential treatment and ignoring other businesses.” The primary issue is that maintaining the ordinances in their current form could expose Howell to potential litigation, a scenario that Gasior believes must be avoided at all costs. Deputy Mayor Ian Nadel, who is also running for mayor in the Republican primary echoed Gasior’s sentiments. “We are going to have to look at the potential legal challenge and look at the issues,” said Nadel. “We obviously still want to work with the farmers, but we have to make sure that it’s done right and legally.” (Ordinance - See Page 10)
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