The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 27
In This Week’s Edition
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Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
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JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
January 6, 2024
Stafford’s Former Mayor Stafford Divided Greg Myhre Joining State Assembly Over Marine Unit
By Stephanie Faughnan STA FFOR D - As the New Jersey State Assembly resumes its sessions for 2024, District 9 will have its first freshman member in over a decade. Greg Myhre, 48, who served as the mayor of Stafford for the last five years, is excited to make a difference at a state level. Myhre, a Republican, won the seat in the November 2023 election and will join incumbent Brian Rumpf, also a Republican. Republican Carmen Amato leaves his seat as the mayor of Berkeley to represent District 9 as a state senate member. District 9 covers 19 municipalities in Ocean County, including Barnegat , Bea chwood , Berkeley, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Stafford, and Tuckerton. Myhre said he decided to run for the Assembly to bring his experience and perspective as a
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan (From left) Assemblyman-elect Greg Myhre on election night with Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Senator-elect Carmen Amato. local leader to Trenton. “I think it will be helpful to have someone in the assembly who’s actually served in local government,” said Myhre. “And sees the direct impact of decisions made by state legislators on people in
local communities.” According to Myhre, unfunded mandates by the state poses challenges for towns because they have to follow new laws that will impact municipal budgets. He emphasized that a critical concern for him
is the fiscal health of the state. He also highlighted a significant problem related to illegal immigration, observing its impact on communities across the state. While acknowledging it as a federal issue, Myhre (Myhre - See Page 4)
Officers To Train At Newly Bought Shooting Range By Stephanie Faughnan LITTLE EGG HARBOR Weeks before the ink dried on the ordinance approving its purchase, whispers of Ocean County’s intentions to acquire Shooters Sporting Center on Route 539 had already begun to ripple through the local community. The news brought in a steady stream of patrons to the facility
as 2023 came to an end. The air buzzed with the rhythmic crackle of gunfire and the scent of gunpowder. While some braced themselves for their final rounds on the firing range, others milled about the retail store. Four of the five Ocean County Commissioners voted to approve the $10.5 million purchase of (Officers - See Page 5)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Shooters will be purchased so officers have a local place to train.
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD - The local governing body has decided the municipality won’t be getting an official marine unit – at least not at this time. A proposed donation of a Metal Shark boat and Amera Trail trailer from the Stafford Township Police Foundation, Inc. hit a snag at the December 11th council meeting, as the mayor and council members couldn’t agree on whether to accept it. The foundation had acquired the boat through a government auction site and aimed to contribute it towards the establishment of a marine unit within the municipality. During the October 24 meeting, Police Chief Thomas Dellane addressed the governing body, emphasizing the crucial need for a marine unit in the township. Dellane pointed out that the township had never had such a unit and highlighted the department’s persistent efforts of over 20 years in seeking grant funding for this purpose. The resolution vote ended in a 3-3 tie, with Council President Amy Otte abstaining on the vote. Those in favor of accepting the donation included Mayor Gregory E. Myhre, Councilman Robert Henken, and Councilwoman Lisa D. Mower. On the opposing side were Councilman Steven Esposito, Councilman Paul Krier, and Councilman Thomas Steadman. Esposito, who prefaced his vote with the statement “not at this time.” Notably, Esposito was the sole council member to provide an explanation for his opposition following requests from members of the public. “We did our due diligence and looked into it,” said Esposito. “We’re here for the people and are the gatekeepers of our budget. And today’s donation will be tomorrow’s expense.” Esposito added that saying the boat was wanted was not enough even if it was represented as free, since it had not been inspected. “We know nothing about it, and it’s going to drain our personnel,” Esposito said. “We’re robbing Peter to pay Paul on personnel matters.” “We’re not supporting the chief on this,” continued Esposito. “We did our homework on this. and it wasn’t done right. There was no cost analysis – there was no answer for the future. He gave a memo for five or six police officers, and he got his six police officers. (Unit - See Page 13)
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