The HOWELL Times
Vol. 22 - No. 32
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
January 18, 2025
New Mayor Focuses On Local TeAcHer RunS 48 HoUrS StRaIgHt Transparency
“48 HoUrS For The FunD”
BREAKING NEWS @
Photo courtesy of John Leggio John Leggio was sworn in as mayor, joined by his children.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 6-8
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 11
Classifieds Page 13
Inside The Law Page 14
Photo courtesy of Anthony Certa Anthony Certa’s 48 hour run was to raise funds and awareness for Semper Fi and America’s Fund, a veteran organization that helped his own personal PTSD recovery journey. By Liz Ciocher ABERDEEN – When Matawan Aberdeen Middle School teacher Anthony Certa was 18 years old, he did what many Americans did in 2002 - he enlisted in the United States military to defend his country. He enlisted in the Marines Corps from the ages of 18 to 22 and served in Iraq in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Now, as a 41-year-old veteran, Certa continues to provide for his country, but in a different manner. By running extreme lengths and other physical
challenges, Certa evokes awareness and donations from people to Semper Fi and America’s Fund - a nonprofit organization that helps veterans with PTSD and similar experiences to his own. Most recently for the foundation, Certa took on a challenge that has not been accomplished, or even considered of, by many: he ran a consecutive 48 hours on a treadmill. “I want to give back [to Semper Fi and America’s Fund] because once a Marine, always a Marine. (48 Hours - See Page 4)
Arnone, Kiley To Lead Commissioners In 2025 By Alyssa Riccardi FREEHOLD – At the Board’s 2025 re-organization meeting, Commissioner Thomas A. Arnone was again chosen to serve as Director of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, while Commissioner Susan M. Kiley was elected to serve as Deputy Director. “It is an incredible honor to once again be appointed as Director of the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners. I am deeply grateful to
my colleagues for entrusting me with this role for the ninth time, and for the sixth consecutive year,” Commissioner Director Arnone said. “As we step into 2025, I remain committed to serving the residents of Monmouth County with passion and purpose. Together, we will continue striving to make Monmouth County the best county in the state.” At the meeting, Deputy Director Kiley’s Statement of Certification of Election to her third, three-year term
on the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners was signed by Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. “Thank you for returning me to the Commissioner position for a third term. There is still work to be done and I am grateful to be able to take part in it,” Kiley said. “As a forward-thinking organization, Monmouth County will continue to anticipate and prepare for (Commissioners - See Page 2)
By Liz Ciocher HOWELL – The start of 2025 begins the start of a new term for Howell’s Township Council, and newly elected Mayor John Leggio is really seizing the initiative. Leggio, who is serving his very first mayoral term on behalf of the Republican party, was sworn in to the position during the council’s reorganization meeting on January 1. Prior to his appointment, Theresa Berger served two consecutive terms as mayor with the Democrat party. His main priorities for the town, Leggio said, include concerns with taxes, quality of life and police enforcement. Alongside these public issues, he has also prioritized the work and performance at the level of the Town Council. “My biggest thing is accountability with our professionals, with the people that run everything in [Howell],” he said. “I’d like to work
with everybody, hold our professionals accountable and I want transparency. I want to be transparent with the residents, I don’t want anybody thinking there’s backroom deals or stuff like that, that’s not fair.” Leggio has lived in Howell Township since his childhood, having moved to the town in 1986. Growing up there, he said, he has noticed some differences, both good and bad. But when it came down to taxes and funding, he knew he wanted to see change. While the 2025 budget has not been available as of writing, Leggio plans to read and analyze it thoroughly to ensure its efficiency. He also has some new ideas he hopes to see developed in the plan, including developments in recreational facilities and possibly senior and veteran housing. “If you look at our [sports facilities] compared to some other (Mayor - See Page 2)
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