The JACKSON Times Vol. 20 - No. 18
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
October 21, 2023
Annual Wounded Warrior Former Worker Escort Parade Returns Alleges Coercion
For Construction Projects
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 20
Classifieds Page 19
Photo by Bob Vosseller Veterans Commission/American Legion Post 504 Rider Frank Bartolomey rides during this year’s Wounded Warrior Escort Parade. Behind him is Rolling Thunder rider Karen Burst of Freehold. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – T he township once again honored area veterans th rough the an nual Wounded Warrior Escort Parade - and the threat of rain was not going to deter them from their mission. The event draws veterans from the Iraq and
Afghanistan Wars, along with veterans from Vietnam, Korea, and even World War II. This year’s event was once again hosted by Mayor Michael Reina and the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club. “This is the 15th year,” Mayor Reina said. The veterans and vehicles
including American Legion motorcycle club riders began lining up around 9 a.m. in front of the Jackson Police Department’s Justice Complex. Their destination was the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club located on South Stump Tavern Road. The Warriors
were escorted by the Jackson Township Police Department, volunteer fire companies, Jackson Township First Aid Squad and the various motorcycle groups. “Some of our veterans that show up yea r af ter yea r a re (Warrior Escort See Page 4)
Two New Police Officers Hired
Photos courtesy Plumsted Township Two new Plumsted Township police officers, Griffin Dublois and Pete Manata Jr. are seen with family members after they took their oath of office at a Township Committee meeting where they were joined by fellow officers, Police Chief Earl Meroney, and Mayor Robert Bowen and Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari.
By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED – Two new police officers were sworn in during a recent Township Committee meeting where officials also recognized National Recovery Month. The new officers are Griffin Dublois and Pete Manata Jr. who were employed in other police
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The Township has less than 30 days to respond to a complaint filed recently by a former township employee. The litigation alleges various violations and names Mayor Michael Reina and Business Administrator Terence Wall. An article posted by FAA News, a website covering Jackson, Lakewood, Toms River and Manchester, reported the filing of the lawsuit which accused Mayor Reina of having coerced building inspectors to look away from his friends. That story also names Administrator Wall and developer Vito Cardinale. The lawsuit was filed in Ocean County Superior Court by Kevin Schmalz, who was Jackson’s plumbing inspector and sub-code official until October 2022. It alleges violations of the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (“CEPA”). Described as a whistleblower lawsuit that reveals allegations of massive collusion between Mayor Reina and prominent developers in the township, the litigation alleges that Reina and Wall repeatedly coerced the Township’s building inspectors to “look away” for his important friends, and openly threatened to terminate their employment if they did not comply with (Allegations- See Page 4)
departments prior to accepting their current positions in the township. Resident Ann Funck received recognition at the meeting for her efforts in regard to National Recovery Month. She serves as the coordinator for the Plumsted Drug and Alcohol Alliance. She offered a brief overview of the what the group does for the community.
Committee Or Commission? Members of the governing body will review further a request by the township’s Environmental Committee to be switched to an Environmental Commission which would have to be done by ordinance. A commission has the (Police OfficersSee Page 4)
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