Hurricane Sandy

UPDATE: Toms River's Disaster Recovery Ombudsman Starts Work Monday

Township Council approved the creation of the position in February

A disaster recovery ombudsman aimed at helping Toms River residents navigate the rebuilding process following Superstorm Sandy will start work on Monday.  The position was created through an ordinance approved by the Township Council in February. The appointee will serve as the public's liaison to state, federal and local government agencies as rebuilding continues. Initially, the ombudsman will be stationed in town hall, but Council Vice President Maria Maruca said that he likely will work out of the township's barrier island satellite office at a later date.  "We might have opportunity for him to work out of the space near the A&P in Ortley Beach, because I think the need is going to be greater on the barrier island than the mainland …

•  15 Comments
• Photos (1)

Hurricane Sandy

Council Approves Creation of Disaster Recovery Ombudsman Position

Ordinance creating position wins full support of present council members

A disaster recovery ombudsman position created by the Toms River Township Council is hoped to help residents as they rebuild from Superstorm Sandy.  "I'm pleased that we passed the ombudsman position today," said Council President George Wittmann after the ordinance establishing the position was unanimously approved Monday night. Only Councilman Al Manforti was absent and did not vote.  "I think that will help us with our residents as they have questions," Wittmann said. The appointee will serve as the public's liaison to state, federal and local government agencies as rebuilding continues, according to the ordinance creating the position, which was first introduced by the Township Council last month.  The ombudsman — someone with the …

•  28 Comments
• Photos (1)

Don Lombardi

2:31 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013

The Council and Mayor should seek a multi-talented person (male or female) who will accept the Ombudsman position ... without compensation, for a one-year term. The official will have an office in the T.R. municipal complex, and one office assistant. They will need direct-line phones, computers with special email addresses, and be open for business on the same hours as other municipal emloyees. I…   more ›

Disaster Recovery Ombudsman Among Ordinances up for Council Vote

Township Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in town hall

Toms River Township Council members will vote on the creation of a disaster recovery ombudsman position when they meet for their first meeting of February on Monday.  The appointee would serve as the public's liaison to state, federal and local government agencies as rebuilding continues, according to the ordinance creating the position introduced by the Township Council last month.  The ombudsman — someone with the necessary construction and recovery experience, the council said — would work four weekdays, mostly after normal business hours and on Saturdays to make it easier for residents to have their questions addressed. As a part-time position, the ombudsman would work no more than 19 and a half hours each week. Business Administrator …

•  8 Comments
• Photos (1)