Election Profile: Lillian G. Burry For Freeholder

COLTS NECK, NJ – The New Jersey primary election on July 7 will challenge several candidates seeking to fill two open seats on the Government Board of Chosen Freeholders in Monmouth County. The coveted spots are being pursued by six candidates, including Democrats Michael Penna and Moira Nelson and Republicans Ross Licitra and incumbent Lillian Burry. Angelica Ashford and Lucille Benfanti are running on the Bernie Sanders 'Not Me. Us.' national platform.

Burry, 84, was first elected to the Freeholder position in 2005. She was then appointed Freeholder Director in 2008, 2010, 2014, and 2017. Prior to county government, Burry served as a Councilwoman of Matawan and Committeewoman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Colts Neck.

Burry is the owner of Colts Neck Realty where she also serves as a broker. She graduated Cum Laude from Wagner College with a double major in Political Science and History.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

The answer today is obvious. We are living in a time of unprecedented challenges and every citizen should feel obligated to do their part. Having spent decades in public life, including 16 years as a Monmouth County Freeholder, it would be irresponsible to step aside at this time with all of the uncertainties we will face in the years ahead. As a business owner, I know the pressures the economy is experiencing and as a sitting freeholder, I also know the resources the county has to help our residents cope with the impacts of COVID-19. There can be no substitute for experience. The relationships I’ve built over the years with government officials at all levels and in both parties with be essential to securing the future of Monmouth County and all of our people.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The obvious answer is COVID-19. And I will use all of my experience and relationships to bring together the people and material resources we will need to secure the future of Monmouth County. Nothing else compares.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The difference that’s obvious to me is experience. The number of people at all levels of government with whom I have long-standing working relationships gives me the ability to reach out effectively to bring resources to Monmouth County. There is no substitute for being someone people know and trust.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Preparing Monmouth County government to provide the greatest assistance possible to the Monmouth County community includes every aspect of the social and economic lives of the more than 600,000 people who live here and depend on us for help.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I could simply cite all of my years of service on the freeholder board but perhaps the most comparable accomplishment was leading the county through the Great Recession when tax revenues and our ratable base were both declining and we were concerned that we could lose our Triple A bond rating. We took an aggressive approach to reviewing county operations and finances and navigated our way through the crisis. That was serious and nothing compared to what we face now.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never lose your sense of humor

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’d like the people to know that I’m totally committed to using every resource at my command to see Monmouth County through this unprecedented crisis. I don’t give up and I don’t back down. I never have and I never will. That’s my promise to the people of Monmouth County and I always keep my word.