TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Jewish Community Council (VAAD), a self-described political lobbying group has endorsed Mo Hill-backed candidate James Quinlisk for Toms River Council. The Toms River VAAD, whose co-leader Booky Kaluszuner admitted in a public meeting last month that he has successfully lobbied Toms River Mayor Mo Hill to reduce the 10-acre religious house of worship zoning ordinance abolition is now offering his support to Quislink.
Quinlisk is running on the “Mo Hill Team” in the June 2021 Toms River Township Republican primary election against a team backed by Hill nemesis, Councilman Daniel Rodrick.
A candidate nominating petition obtained from Toms River Township records shows that Mo Hill and his wife Roseann gave Quinslink their signature endorsement to help him get on the ballot. Hill and his wife were the first signatories on the petition. Also in the Quinlisk petition packet’s front page were signatures of Kaluszyner and VAAD co-leader Sam Ellenbogen.
The support of the VAAD in Toms River could bring about 1,000 bloc votes in favor of Quinslink, putting Hill one step closer to complete control over the township council. Currently Team Hill holds a 4-2-1 majority. With four seats open, Hill can once again be assured that the North Dover bloc vote will be behind his guy, Quinslink.
The support of the Toms River VAAD proved crucial to Mo Hill, who secured a narrow victory in 2019 through their support. The VAAD is a council that recommends candidates to Orthodox Jewish resident in Toms River.
Quinlisk’s ward covers a large section of North Dover where there is a high concentration of Orthodox Jewish residents who typically vote in bloc votes for candidates who seek their support and promise to deliver public policy favorable to their religious needs in the town such as house of worship zoning reductions.