Freeholders Reorganize; Thornton, Hayes Return to Board

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County freeholders reorganized Jan. 3, amid pomp, patriotism, and prayers. Republican running mates, Gerald M. Thornton and E. Marie Hayes took their oaths and returned to the board, and the 3-2 split of the past emerged. 
That division occurred July 9, 2019, when the board voted, 3-2, (Hayes and Will Morey cast no votes) to censure Hayes.
According to the original story, “censures were the result of a six-month workplace investigation into allegations of retaliation against Elizabeth Bozzelli, clerk of the board and administrator, as well as a violation of the county’s conflict-of-interest policy.”
However, the friction can be further traced to October 2018 when the board voted, again 3-2, to combine Elizabeth Bozzelli’s positions as clerk of the board and administrator. 
Hayes said at the time that she was concerned with combining the positions, not with Bozzelli.
Subsequently, on Sept. 4, 2019, Bozzelli sued the county, Hayes and Morey “alleging harassment over Bozzelli’s decision not to approve a job transfer for Hayes’ son, Lloyd Hayes,” according to a published report.
At the reorganization; however, Hayes and Thornton heaped praise upon their families and those who helped them secure victory over Democrat challengers in the November election. 
Both cited the diligence of Republican Chairman Marcus Karavan for helping their campaign.
However, when it came time to vote for a director, Hayes and Morey abstained.
In the past, such votes were unanimous, and there was always a united public front at reorganization.
Thornton retained his directorship with votes from Leonard Desiderio, Jeffrey Pierson and himself.
Hayes also abstained from the vote for a vice director, as well as the vote that designated department assignments.
Before Thornton took his oath, he held up a small pocket-sized Bible that, he said, belonged to his father in 1914. He took his oath of office on it, held by his wife Linda, and then presented the Bible to his son, Mark. 
Hayes and Thornton, surrounded by their families, took their oaths from Superior Court Judge Michael J. Donohue.
The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors at the outset of the ceremony. 
David Jones, of Disabled Veterans Chapter 10, Atlantic City led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ocean City High School Freshman Treasa Hayes, no relation to the freeholder, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
Assemblyman-elect, Lower Township Mayor and Deacon Erik Simonsen delivered the Benediction to close the ceremony.
Sen. Michael Testa (R-1st) and Assembly-elect and Ocean City Councilman Antwan McClellan joined the crowd of well wishers as did many municipal officials.