Freeholder Jack Kelly said this week that his political appointment by Governor Chris Christie is in limbo.

Kelly is banking on the job at the parole board which pays members between $75,000 and $150,000 per year.

“When I was a little boy they talked about limbo,” Kelly said. “Limbo was a place that wasn’t quite heaven but certainly wasn’t hell. It’s sort of where I’m at right now.”

Kelly came under fire from New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak, discrediting Kelly’s experience in the field, citing no official law enforcement or criminal justice experience. Kelly does not have a college degree, Lesniak said.

“Kelly’s judgment as to an inmate’s release would be useless,” he added.

Kelly insists that his 23 years as a freeholder as the Director of Law and Public Safety makes him qualified for the job.

The freeholder once held a patronage job position at the Atlantic City International Airport, but it was short lived, working as an airport analyst. He started in 1999. He left that job in 2004.

“I’m a winner either way,” he said.

The Asbury Park Press has in-depth coverage of Kelly’s nomination process.

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