GOP leaders get behind Anderson for Monmouth commissioner

The front runner for an open county commissioner seat in Monmouth has picked up a plethora of endorsements from key local Republican officials.

Shrewsbury Mayor Erik Anderson has won the support of State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Little Silver), Middletown mayor Tony Perry, and seven State Assembly members representing Monmouth County: Kim Eulner (R-Shrewsbury), Marilyn Piperno (R-Colts Neck), Vicky Flynn (R-Holmdel), Gerald Scharfenberger (R-Middletown), Rob Clifton (R-Matawan), Ned Thomson (R-Wall), and Alex Sauickie (R-Jackson).

The only legislator not backing Anderson is Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-Wall).  Kean’s former chief of staff, Matt Woolley, challenges Anderson for the organization line at the Monmouth GOP convention.

Also backing Anderson are Little Silver Mayor Bob Neff, Rumson Mayor Joe Hemphill, Fair Haven Mayor Josh Halpern, and Monmouth Beach Mayor David Stickle.

Republican county committees in Howell, Millstone, Manalapan, Marlboro, Keyport, Shrewsbury, Fair Haven, Little Silver, and Monmouth Beach also support Anderson.

Last week, three county commissioners – Tom Arnone, Nick DiRocco, and Sue Kiley – supported Anderson.   The other incumbent, Ross Licitra, looks like a lock for party support in his bid for a second term this year.

County Commissioner Lillian Burry is retiring this year at age 87.  She was first elected to office n 1970 as a Matawan councilwoman.

“I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of many elected officials who I have had the privilege of working with as mayor of Shrewsbury Borough,” Anderson said.  “I look forward to working with each of these great leaders as Monmouth County Commissioner, alongside Tom Arnone, Ross Licitra, Nick DiRocco and Sue Kiley.”