App reporter jean mikle denies she's seeking a public job as newspaper continues decline

APP reporter Jean Mikle denies she’s seeking a public job as newspaper continues decline

December 23, 2020
·

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Jean Mikle is one of the last people standing at the flailing Asbury Park Press newspaper.  Last week, her name swirled in rumors around the county administration building as a potential successor in the Ocean County public information department.  It has been announced that Donna Flynn, who heads the department is considering retirement, and county officials would like to see Mikle in that spot.

“She had told us she wants to do freelance work in the future,” said one freeholder who wishes to remain anonymous.

The Asbury Park Press is in decline and its parent company has been conducting round after round of layoffs.  Mikle has been one of the few veteran reporters to weather the storm and survive the multiple rounds of layoffs.

Mikle rejected the Freeholder’s assertion that she’s poking around the county for a plan B.

“I have never discussed or shown any interest in getting a job with the county, township, or any other entity, either in Ocean County or throughout the state. That’s ridiculous,” Mikle said.

Many laid-off former reporters of the Asbury Park Press and the former Ocean County Observer have found a second life in the form of new jobs working for the county or local municipalities as public information officers.  Those jobs often carry six-figure salaries.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.