TOMS RIVER, NJ – After decades of community service, Ocean County Commissioner Joseph Vicari will not seek re-election in November. Vicari said he plans to retire from public service after 43 years in Office. Last year, Vicari was the target of vitriol and scorn by other Ocean County Commissioners over several issues. In exchange for bucking the party line, Vicari was stripped by Ocean County Commissioner Chairwoman Virginia “Ginny” Haines of all appointments.
Vicari said he wishes to now devote more time with his family after his term expires in December 31st.
Upon serving the rest of his current term in office, Vicari will be the longest-serving commissioner/freeholder in the state of New Jersey. He has won consecutive elections since 1981.
His career in public office began in 1979 as a committeeman in then Dover Township. He served as the Mayor of Toms River for five years before being elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1994.
He is a former superintendent of the Berkeley Township School District.
This year, the governing body elected Vicari to serve as chairman of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Haines, who continues her ongoing feud with Vicari, refused to cast a vote.
Haines has been one of the key players in the recent civil war between Ocean County leaders loyal to former GOP Chairman Frank Holman and GOP Chairman George Gilmore. The bitter feud has been raging for four years. Haines was placed on the board by Gilmore and owed much of her public persona to Gilmore and former GOP Chairman Joe Buckalew, but switch sides during the contentions three-year battle between Gilmore and Holman. Haines now sees herself on the losing end of the struggle and most likely will not be endorsed for re-election after her current term expires.