Freeholder Meeting Recap: Free Rx Program Unveiled, County Employees Get Raises

CREST HAVEN — A brief recap of the Tue., July 13 freeholders’ meeting:
* Freeholder Gerald Thornton and Health Officer Kevin Thomas unveiled a county discount health services program that provides discounts on prescription drugs, eyeglasses, nutritional supplements, diabetic supplies and more.
The free program is open to all county residents, and should help the uninsured and underinsured afford prescriptions. There are no enrollment forms, income requirements of age restrictions. Residents can print a card by visiting the Cape May County website: www.capemaycountygov.net.
* Gave raises to many non-union employees not covered by union agreements. Thornton voted against that portion of the resolution, and cast a yes vote for all other contractual raises. Other freeholders, except Ralph Bakley Sr., who was absent recovering from knee surgery, approved the resolution.
Thornton cited the recent layoff of 22 employees as one reason management employees should not receive raises. Director Daniel Beyel said those managers had done their jobs of helping to lower departmental budgets and spending as ordered by the board.
* Barbara Bakley-Marino was made county counsel for a three year term. The daughter of Ralph Bakley, she has held the post in an acting capacity since John Porto became a judge.
Thornton opposed her appointment, and cast the board’s only no vote regarding Bakley-Marino’s appointment.
* Fare Free Transportation drivers Brian Fitzpatrick, Dave Smith and Adele Jones were honored for winning national and state awards in Roadeo competitions that pitted them against others from around the state and nation.
* Honored 2008 Wildwood Catholic High School graduate and Gloucester County College athlete Mark Malec, a baseball standout, who scored the winning run in the 10th inning in a national championship in Tyler, Texas to help his school become number one in its division.
For details, see next Wednesday’s print edition.