Pallone backs Beson for Monmouth Freeholder

Calling him an "outstanding choice to serve the Jersey Shore families," U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) today endorsed former Neptune Mayor Mike Beson for the Democratic nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder. 

Beson and Middletown Committeeman Sean Byrnes will face off at a Democratic convention on Saturday for the chance to run for the Freeholder seat currently held by Democrat Barbara McMorrow.  McMorrow is not seeking re-election to a second term, and Democrats must hold her seat to retain control of the Board of Freeholders.

"Throughout almost 20 years that I have known Mike, he has demonstrated constant dedication and commitment to protecting and defending the public interest," said Pallone, the senior Democrat in the New Jersey congressional delegation.  "In recent years, Mike has become a local small business owner who sees first-hand the struggles that hard-working families face in this economic climate.  He will undoubtedly combine his decades of public service with his experience in private sector businesses to be a strong representative for Monmouth County."

Beson was Pallone's district director from 1990 to 2000.  After serving a Mayor of Neptune, he moved to Ocean Township and now serves on the Board of Education.  He is also a prominent Democratic operative, and ran Howard Dean's New Jersey campaign in 2004.  He was the PolitickerNJ.com Politician of the Year in 2003 after Dean locked up the endorsements of most of New Jersey's Democratic establishment.

"It is an honor to have the support of Congressman Pallone not only as a candidate but as a friend for many years.  His leadership and tenacity to represent our state in Washington has served us well in fighting for quality health care, preserving and cleaning up our waterways and open space, and advocating for working families," said Beson.  

"While we are well represented in Congress, it is important that we have strong countywide representatives that will be independent in pushing for our residents and ensuring that our voices are heard," Beson said.  "Every day, I see the frustration felt by residents given the challenges facing our state and nation.  I will work as hard as they do to make the choices necessary to move our County forward."

In 2000, Beson launched his small business - Guide Publications - through its flagship publication, Jersey Job Guide.  The firm publishes job recruitment guides for a wide range of job sectors.

"The job market has become increasingly difficult in the past year.  No one sees it more closely than Mike Beson.  He works every day to connect business owners of all sizes with qualified employees who need to earn an adequate wage to support their families," added Pallone.  "It will be extraordinarily beneficial to have his perspective on the Freeholder Board as we move forward in rising from these difficult times."

Republicans are running former Red Bank Councilman John Curley, who came within 346 votes of winning a Freeholder seat in 2008.