TOMS RIVER, NJ – For the past year, embattled Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill had tried on several occasions to take over the Toms River Republican Club. Each time, his attempted was thwarted by the members of the club. So Hill and his political allies formed a new political club and received the blessing of Ocean County GOP Chairman Frank Holman to be the recognized club of the Ocean County organization.
Now, Hill’s club is hoping for a clean sweep of the Toms River Township council to give Hill unchecked powers and authority to continue moving forward on his agenda for Toms River. That agenda includes turning downtown Toms River into a vibrant city, redeveloping the Ciba Geigy and Route 37 corridor, the continued development of North Dover and pay to play patronage jobs and benefits for his political donors.
To assist him in his progress forward, Hill’s club has announced it will be running four candidates for office in the June Republican primary election.
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Toms River planning board Chairman David Ciccozzi and Zoning Board Member Jason Crispin will be representing Hill’s political club on the ballot. Both the planning board and zoning boards in Toms River have been under fire for being the source of overdevelopment in the township for decades.
Incumbent Maria Maruca, an appointee of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who manages the Toms River Motor Vehicle Commission office will once again be running for re-election. The three Hill insders will be joined by James Quinlisk on the ballot.
Opposing Team Hill is a team headed by current Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick. Rodrick will be joined by Police Officer and lawyer, Justin Lamb, Grace Piscopo and John Loiacono.
Mo Hill and allies formed a new political club in Toms River in 2021 according to state election records. The club was founded by Hill running mates Matt Lotano and Kevin Geoghegan.