TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County officials are upset after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy once again snubbed the Republican stronghold on its annual ‘Christmas Tree List”.
Ocean County is once more left off the state’s annual “Christmas Tree” list, receiving no additional financial support for community projects.
“I am absolutely outraged that once again millions of dollars have been allocated to towns and counties in predominantly urban regions while Ocean County gets nothing,” said Vicari, an outspoken critic of the funding disparity.
The “Christmas Tree” list is a special fund designated for projects that are not included in the regular state budget. Analysis of the list reveals that urban areas and city legislative districts are benefiting substantially from the $661.6 million earmarked for various initiatives across the state.
Examples of funded projects in other areas include a new marina and a dog park in several Northern New Jersey communities. Camden County received a staggering $64 million for infrastructure projects, and Union County was next in line with $57.5 million.
Vicari expressed his disappointment over the situation, stating, “As a lifelong educator and a public official with more than 40 years’ experience, I find this to be completely unfair to our residents. This transcends politics. Ocean County is being penalized by the majority party in Trenton.”
Vicari announced plans to collaborate with the county’s 12 state legislators to find alternate funding solutions for Ocean County and its 33 municipalities. “Something has to be done,” he said, “Our residents are tired of being shortchanged by Trenton and big-city lawmakers.”
Among other beneficiaries of the “Christmas Tree” awards are the Patterson Museum with $2.5 million, Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange with $7.5 million, and Atlantic City’s municipal workers, who received $2 million for overtime expenses.