Vicari to Lead Ocean County Freeholder Board in 2014

Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari will lead the county's governing body in 2014.

Vicari will serve as Freeholder Director for 2014 and will chair board meetings. The decision to name Vicari as director came at the board's annual reorganization meeting this week. The meeting also included the swearing in of re-elected freeholders John P. Kelly and James F. Lacey to their eighth three-year terms on the board.

Vicari said priorities for 2014 include the county's continuing recovery from Superstorm Sandy as well as educational and employment opportunities for residents and business owners.

"From home delivered meals to community outreach through our library systems, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders continued its ongoing pledge to be there for all its citizens," Vicari said in a statement, referring to its response to Sandy.

Vicari lauded the board's spending practices, which allowed the county to maintain an AAA bond rating despite Sandy's hit to the ratable base. Preserving tourism will also be a priority, he said.

"Tourism brings in more than $4 billion each year and helps to create upwards of 70,000 jobs in Ocean County," Vicari said. "This year, in an effort to look at the industry as a year-round industry, I have combined the office of Tourism with Business Development."

The freeholders meet twice per month in Toms River – once for a pre-board meeting and once for a general meeting. Both are open to the public.