Election Profile: Ross Licitra For Monmouth County Freeholder

MARLBORO, 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.

Licitra, 57, is the Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Officer and Executive Director for Monmouth SPCA. Licitra began his law enforcement career as a municipal police officer, later serving as a detective at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for 25 years.

Licitra graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and holds a Certified Public Manager degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He lives in Morganville with his wife Heather.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking a seat on the Board of Chosen Freeholders because I have been a proud lifelong resident of Monmouth County and want this county to continue to be the best place to live, work, and play while feeling safe and secure. I have been a public servant on both the Municipal and County levels where I understand the importance of strong leadership. I have the experience necessary to continue the great leadership of the Monmouth County Freeholders to ensure that Monmouth County remains the best county in the state of New Jersey preserving our open space, keeping taxes stable, and maintaining our top notch parks, schools, and services

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

The single most pressing issue facing our community is being able to afford to live and work in New Jersey. Ensuring responsible government, keeping taxes low, cutting wasteful spending while providing essential services to the public, are the most effective ways that the government can assist the average citizen in maintaining an affordable lifestyle. Shared services and cooperation with other governmental bodies is a proven solution. As a Freeholder, I would continue to build on what has already started with our current Freeholders by focusing on closing the gaps with many municipalities on the Shared Services programs. Additionally, I would seek new and innovative solutions with our state leaders and with other counties.

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

The difference between me and the other candidates simply boils down to experience. I have lived and worked in government my entire life. I understand the arena and how to navigate through it to achieve the best results. Elected officials need to be able to solve problems while meeting the needs of everyone affected. I will draw on my experience not only as a very successful police officer for over 30 years, but also has an executive director of an agency that successfully touches and serves the public on many levels.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The other issues that define my campaign are public safety, maintaining open space, and protecting the environment while still being able to promote responsible economic development within our county.

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

The accomplishments include being a successful and highly decorated law enforcement career where I ascended to a high ranking position within the prosecutor's office, and my leadership of the Monmouth County SPCA. As the Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA, I have transformed the agency, within five years, from the brink of financial ruin to an organization that is fiscally stable. Under my leadership, the Monmouth County S.P.C.A. has increased adoptions by over 1000 animals per year, and increasing our live release rate to over 95%. Additionally, I have transformed the entire Humane Law Enforcement platform for the entire state of New Jersey by setting the example and structure for every county to follow. Within the last three years, the Monmouth County SPCA has also become the leader in the State of New Jersey on addressing the community cat problem and is the first agency to ever receive state funding for this program.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice that was ever shared with me was from my father. My dad would always tell me "To judge a true man's character is to give them authority".

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

I would like the voters to know that if elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I will continue to serve the public as passionately and consistently as I have served my entire life in public service. I am an honest, hardworking, and will be open-minded to understanding the needs of the entire community.