13 Seek Ocean County GOP Backing For Commissioner's Seat

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Thirteen Republicans have submitted their names for possible endorsement for the Ocean County Board of Commissioners’ seat that is being vacated by Gerry Little at the end of this year.

The screening committee of the Ocean County Republican Organization is set to meet Saturday to discuss those candidates along with ones for governor in the November 2021 election.

The 13 people who have applied seeking the GOP nomination to run with Commissioner Gary Quinn include candidates from all over the county, according to the county organization’s website.

Little, of Surf City, who has served on the board since 2003, announced in December that he would be retiring when his term ends Dec. 31, the Asbury Park Press reported.

The candidates seeking endorsement are:

• John Bacchione, Berkeley Township: Bacchione serves on the Township Council and has served on the Berkeley Township Board of Education.
• Bobbie Jo Crea, Little Egg Harbor: Crea is a member of the Township Committee and has served as the township’s mayor.
• Lawrence Cuneo, Pine Beach: Cuneo is the borough mayor since 2012.
• Peter Curatolo, Lacey: Curatolo is the township mayor.
• Shawn Denning, Waretown (Ocean Township): Denning serves on the Ocean Township Board of Education and has been board president.
• Victor Finamore, Brick: Finamore is a member of the township’s Citizens Emergency Response Team.
• Lisa Hodgson-Henson, Surf City: Hodgson-Henson is chair of the borough’s Republican Committee.
• Andrew Kern, Jackson: Kern is president of the Township Council
• Sharon McKenna, Stafford: McKenna has served on the Township Council since 2012 and is council president.
• Stephen Reid, Point Pleasant Beach: Reid served on the Borough Council and as the borough’s mayor.
• Michael A. Thulen Sr., Brick: Thulen is a former member of the Township Council and served on the Brick Municipal Anti-Drug Coalition.
• Rolf J. Weber, Island Heights: Weber serves on the Borough Council.
• Rory Wells, Manchester: Wells is a retired assistant Ocean County prosecutor.

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