County to Seek $385,000 for Special Election

COURT HOUSE – There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and certainly no free election.
Take the special U.S. Senate scheduled for Oct. 16. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m.
Freeholders at the Oct. 8 meeting passed a budget amendment resolution that requested $385,000 from the state Department of State, Division of Elections for expenses incurred in connection with the special election. The election was ordered by Gov. Chris Christie to fill the seat left vacant upon the June 3 death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a Democrat.
The resolution cited a July 17 award letter that confirmed that the state would reimburse counties for all reasonable expenses for the special election.
The funds were expended by the Board of Elections and the County Clerk’s Office.
The funds were appropriated under Public and Private Programs offset by Revenues.
Voters have a field of eight candidates from which to choose:
Column 1, Republican Steven M. Lonegan, Column 2, Democrat Cory Booker.
Nomination by petition:
Column 3, Robert DePasquale, “American Citizens First,” Column 4, Stuart David Meissner, “Alimony Reform Now,” Column 5, Edward C. Stackhouse Jr. “Ed the Barber,” Column 6, Pablo Olivera, “Unity Is Strength,” Column 7, Antonio Nico Sabas, “Freedom of Choice,” Column 8, Eugene Martin LaVergne “D-R Party.”
While the state is reimbursing counties for the $24 million anticipated cost of the special election, counties had to first pay the bills before getting the state funds.
According to previously published reports, because the Oct. 16 election is a mere 20 days from the general election, Democrats objected pointing to the cost and potential voter confusion the election might cause.
Christie appointed Republican Jeffrey S. Chiesa June 10, 2013 to fill the vacancy. Chiesa, a lawyer, was assistant U.S. attorney 2002-2009; chief counsel to Christie 2010-2011; Attorney General of New Jersey 2012-2013.
Some local Republicans believe Christie should have allowed Chiesa to remain in the seat until Lautenberg’s term expired in two years, thus saving $24 million, and affording the state guaranteed equal party representation in the Senate.