TOMS RIVER, NJ – As elections approach, candidates in Ocean County find themselves scrutinized for past actions that raise ethical and moral questions.
Background checks and social media vetting are standard practices for political parties across New Jersey. However, some candidates have managed to obscure troubling elements of their history.
A recent case involving Democrat John Burzichelli, who is running for state senate against Republican Ed Durr, revealed Burzichelli’s history as a producer of X-rated all-male films. This information has been seized upon by Republicans to critique the candidate.
In the same county, Democrats running against Republican Dan Rodrick have also faced controversy. Ben Giovine, an employee of U.S. Congressman Andy Kim, was publicly questioned about a past DUI arrest while he served as a board member for the Toms River Regional School District. The DUI had not been previously reported to the media. Andy Kim’s office did not comment on the issue.
Ruby Franco, another Democratic candidate, has been criticized on social media for her use of racial slurs in past posts. A third candidate, Rhetta Jackson-Faire, faces allegations connected to her prior criminal record and recent interactions with a convicted sex offender.
Republican candidates are also under scrutiny. In Brick Township, mayoral candidate John Catalano’s past DUI arrest was recently disclosed by Democrats. Additionally, a Democrat operative hinted at other troubling aspects of Catalano’s past, including involvement with stolen items at his jewelry store.
Former GOP official Gerri Ambrosio also faces questions after her recent hit-and-run incident led to her losing in the primary elections for mayor of Toms River.
While opinions vary on the importance of a candidate’s past in determining their fitness for office, the fact remains that public figures are subject to thorough examination.
