TOMS RIVER – The Orthodox Jewish community played a significant role in supporting Maurice “Mo” Hill during his successful mayoral campaign in 2019, helping him secure victory in the primary against Councilman Rodrick and former Ocean County Prosecutor Joe Coronato.
With an estimated 750 votes, the Orthodox bloc solidified Hill’s position in a close general election against Democrat Jonathan Petro.
Now, that vote, which is still against Rodrick, could play a crucial role in deciding the next mayor of Toms River.
As the upcoming Republican Primary approaches, it appears that the Orthodox bloc vote is divided. While both Mayor Hill and Geraldine Ambrosio are vying for the endorsement, recent discussions within Orthodox WhatsApp groups suggest that certain community leaders are backing Ambrosio for mayor.
Last week, about 60% of the rabbis in Toms River endorsed Ambrosio for Mayor with the remaining, appearing to continue to back Hill.
Several Orthodox WhatsApp groups have posted a picture of the primary ballot, with everyone in column A highlighted except for Mayor Hill.
Instead, Ambrosio is highlighted in column B. Ambrosio has not yet commented on whether she has received the endorsement of the Orthodox community.
Some members Orthodox community no longer see Mayor Hill as electable and are seeking an alternative in Ambrosio.
Councilman Dan Rodrick believes Ambrosio’s candidacy is intended to divide the vote against Hill, and the endorsement is a mere façade to distance him from the Orthodox community.
Hill and Ambrosio both called Rodrick’s position against homes being turned into houses of worship anti-semitic. But, Rodrick contends it is a tax and quality of life issue.
“No one wants 100 cars parked on their street every day,” Rodrick said.
After polls indicated that Mo Hill and Ambrosio trailed Rodrick in the race, the Toms River Jewish Community Council (VAAD) issued a call to action, urging members of the Jewish community to “get out the vote.” Baruch Kalusyzyner, a political lobbyist and one of the VAAD leaders, encouraged all residents to register and participate in the June primary election in an effort to block Rodrick’s candidacy.
Rodrick has publicly opposed the TJRCC’s request to expand an agreement with the town regarding lowering zoning requirements for houses of worship.
Hill and Ambrosio both called Rodrick’s position against homes being turned into houses of worship anti-semitic. But, Rodrick contends it is a tax and quality of life issue. They have also been united in criticizing Rodrick’s use of the term “Lakewood Style Development” in their campaign mailers.
Baruch Kalusyzyner believed that the 10-acre rule for houses of worship should be eliminated, stating that there should be no acreage requirement and they should be allowed in any neighborhood.
On the other hand, Rodrick argued that residents in neighborhoods are opposed to increased traffic, frequent comings and goings of cars, and overnight parking associated with houses of worship. He believes this turns quiet neighborhoods into commercial thoroughfares and poses quality of life and safety concerns for residents. Recent incidents, such as a fatal car accident near a home used as a house of worship and a car collision with a telephone pole outside another house of worship on Whitesville Road, have further fueled the debate.
Rodrick said the issue is not about religion and seeks to work with people of all faiths in Toms River, but feels commercial style use in residential neighborhoods is not something he supports.
The upcoming primary on June 6th will determine whether the Toms River Orthodox bloc vote continues to support Mayor Hill or if they view him as unelectable and choose to support Ambrosio.