Four Freeholders, Three Constitutional Officers for Bakley, McCann

VILLAS — Four of five freeholders and all three Constitutional Officers (county clerk, sheriff and surrogate) have paid for and issued a release in which they advocate reelecting incumbent Freeholder Ralph Bakley Sr. and electing Ocean City resident John McCann.
The document was the second within a week on the letterhead of New Direction for New Jersey, a Lower Township based Republican group. It makes no mention of Freeholder Gerald Thornton, a board member for nearly 26 years, two as director.
Thornton, of Court House, holds one of two seats up for election in November.
With a March 15 party organizational meeting looming, Thornton is left alone to rally support among committee people who will cast votes at that meeting for the party’s selected persons going into the June primary election and November general election.
Thornton told the Herald last week he had learned of the new organization, and expressed surprise that several of those seeking his ouster had received his financial and moral support through their own campaigns.
Thornton, McCann and Bakley submitted letters of intention to seek freeholder seats, according to Republican Chairman David Von Savage.
The following is the release:
“As everyone is aware these are difficult economic times. Like most counties, we are experiencing staggering losses in property transfer fees, interest on investments and a sub-stantial reduction in our ratable base. In response to these difficult and challenging circumstances, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholder has taken a proactive fiscally conservative approach in reinventing county government.
“As your elected officials we need to work closely together to carefully evaluate all aspects of county operations so that we can reduce the size of government. By consolidating and downsizing over the last three years, we have positioned the county to sustain top-notch services while keeping our tax rate the lowest in the state.
“We have to keep moving forward and stay focused on strengthening our responsible Republican approach to county government. In our efforts to continue serving the people of Cape May County as well as our organization in a transparent and accountable fashion, we are expressing our support in the selection of Ralph Bakley and John McCann as the Freeholder candidates in the upcoming Primary and General Elections.
“We respectfully ask that you consider our support for Ralph and John when you cast your preference vote.
“Thank you very much.”
Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel
Freeholder Vice Director Ralph Sheets
Freeholder Len Desiderio
Freeholder Ralph Bakley
Surrogate Robert Hentges
County Clerk Rita Fulginiti
Sheriff Gary Schaffer
The release was paid for by Daniel Beyel, Ralph Sheets, Leonard Desiderio, Robert Hentges, Rita Fulginiti and Gary Schaffer.