Freeholders' debate underway in Battlezone Monmouth

John Curley and Freeholder Director Lillian Burry: Politicker photo 

MANALAPAN - The debate is underway here between the Democrats and Republicans in this down-ballot battleground for two seats on the Monmouth County Freeholder Board, and Democrats have opened by going after the incumbent.

Republican Freeholder Director Lillian Burry and her running mate, former Red Bank Councilman John Curley, sit at a table in the Monmouth County Library's main branch, alongside their Democratic rivals, reitred Hazlet Police Detective Glenn Mason and Fair Haven businesswoman Amy Mallet.

Taking a question about transparency in government, Mallet immediately goes after incumbent Burry.

"We recently learned there was a house tour in Colts Neck, put on by the Historic Preservation Committee," says Mallet. "She used her business as a primary outlet for purchasing the tickets (to the tour)."

Curley says Mallet has "one helluva nerve" charging after Burry when she still hasn't settled debt from her Assembly campaign last year, which relied on contributions from statewide unions.

Reminding the audience that he's a cop who investigated the Bid rig scandal, Mason focuses on Curley, charging his rival with using his run for freeholder to settle a score with the former mayor of Red Bank. 

Burry, counterpunching, deflects the big rid reference.

"This present board had nothing to do with that, it's a totally new board," says the director.

She calls Mallet's house tour charge "absurd."

"This is an historic house tour in Colts Neck," she says. "To say I benefited personally is ridiculous. The hourse that was advertised was never linked to the house tour."

Mallet goes back to Curley's criticism.

"There are workers who work here in Monmouth County," she says. "The union offices aren't necessarily in Monmouth County."