GOP to Select New Freeholder Saturday

Monmouth County Republicans will gather at Colts Neck High School Saturday to determine who will fill a vacated seat on the county Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Howell Mayor Robert Walsh, Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso, Atlantic Highlands Councilman Peter Doyle and Manalapan Councilman Ryan Green all vie for the unexpired seat left vacant upon former board Director Robert Clifton’s election to the state Assembly.

County committee members will cast ballots that will be tabulated immediately Saturday, with the winning candidate taking their oath of office later this month. The winner will run to keep the seat in fall 2012, with the chance to run for a full term in 2013.

Walsh, who would have to resign his Howell post if selected, said he is “cautiously optimistic.

“I’ve gotten tremendous support all over the county and especially in my hometown of Howell,” he said.

He said his accomplishments include work to establish a new township as well as efforts to restrain tax growth.

DiMaso, who would give up her 10-year tenure on the Holmdel governing body if selected, has said, “I think I’ve done a good job in Holmdel, and I’d like to bring that experience to the county level.”

Green, also a former deputy mayor of Manalapan, said, “I love serving the residents of Manalapan Township and working to make our community an even better place to live. If I have the opportunity to serve as a freeholder, I’ll be able to work on behalf of our residents at the county level, which will help Manalapan in many different ways.”

The candidates will attend a “Meet the Candidates Night” at 7 p.m. today at Doolan’s Shore Club in Spring Lake Heights. Cash bar opens at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Call 732-280-1185 to RSVP.

The voting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at Colts Neck High School.

Check back with Patch for full coverage of the race.

Katrina Rossos and Christina Johnson also contributed to this report.