The Arnone Report: Monmouth County leads the way in Shared Services and Generous Hearts

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Well, it seems as if fall is now officially here! After a hot summer season, these cooler temperatures are a nice relief! I hope everyone is enjoying the season and picking the perfect pumpkins. I have been staying busy and I would like to take some time to share what I have been up to around Monmouth County.

Last Friday, we hosted our annual Shared Services Summit at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. We had a fantastic turnout, with nearly 80 people attending and representing more than 35 municipalities, school districts, fire districts, police departments and other entities throughout the county. Those who attended were able to learn more about shared services available to them through our Clerk’s office, tax board, Sheriff’s office, purchasing department, department of public works, IT department and the fire academy.

Attendance at our shared services summit continues to grow each time we host it and I am already looking forward to the next time we can showcase our program. I attribute the growing attendance to the county’s progress in the shared services initiative. As liaison to the program, I can truly say we have greatly improved upon existing services and expanded what the county can offer to entities in the recent years. I believe the growing confidence municipalities have in our program has helped maintain and establish new partnerships.

Simply put – I’m proud of this cost-savings program and the growing partnerships we’re making that benefits the taxpayers! For those looking for more information about the program, visit our website http://www.visitmonmouth.com. We’re constantly updating content so be sure to check back in the coming weeks and months.

On a separate note, I am proud to represent a county that is full of charitable and caring residents who continually help others in need. At our Freeholder meeting last week, we recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by honoring The Mya Lin Terry Foundation. For those who are unaware of this nonprofit, it is named in honor of Mya Lin Terry, who fought her cancer diagnosis courageously at such a young age. Her mother, Kelly, as well as many family members and friends, created this organization to honor Mya’s legacy by assisting other families facing pediatric cancer. To date, the foundation supports 116 pediatric cancer patients and their families.

It’s unfortunate such foundations have to exist. However, we’re truly lucky in Monmouth County to have people and communities rally around those in need. Monmouth County residents and businesses are incredible when it comes to lending a helping hand to complete strangers and it’s an honor to serve in a position where I am able to meet with people representing nonprofits representing various causes.

Speaking of wonderful organizations, I attended a benefit last week to support the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers. This tremendous resource provides the public direct and easy access to law enforcement, without having to identify themselves, by offering a toll-free telephone number, web tips on the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers website and text tips.

Lastly, I have started to visit school districts throughout the county again – something I enjoy doing each school year. It’s always nice to meet with students and explain the importance of government and civics. So far this school year, I have visited with students at Asbury Park High School, Freehold High School and the Academy of Law and Public Safety. I have many more visits scheduled in the coming weeks and months that I am looking forward to!

As always, it’s a pleasure to serve as your Freeholder Director.