TOMS RIVER, NJ – The State of New Jersey has shut down the Toms River Motor Vehicle Commission after it was reported that an employee who works at the facility tested positive for COVID-19. Toms River Councilwoman Maria Maruca who also serves as the Manager of the Toms River Motor Vehicle Commission office, a politically appointed job was also noticeably absent from the town council meeting held Tuesday night.
According to insiders in Toms River Town Hall, Toms River Democrat Councilman Terrance Turnbach hosted a holiday party recently. Those insiders also claim members of the township council were in attendance. Turnbach called into Tuesday night’s meeting along with Matt Lotano. Turnbach is reportedly currently in a 14-day quarantine after a family member who also attended the party tested positive for COVID-19. The only council members in attendance physically at Tuesday’s meeting were Kevin Geohegan, Daniel Rodrick, and Laurie Huryk. The other four members were either not present or dialed in remotely.
We reached out to Turnbach today to discuss the allegation, but Turnbach refused to respond. Lotano, Maruca, and Josh Kopp, also absent from Tuesday’s meeting were also in attendance at the party, according to town hall insiders. None of the council members agreed to speak about the allegations or to confirm or deny their presence at the party, which would be in violation of Governor Phil Murphy’s executive orders of limiting house parties to 10 guests or less and limited contact with non-familial members.
Turnbach, a Democrat has been a strong advisor in the community to reinforce the social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines set forth by fellow Democrat Governor Phil Murphy.