Toms river mayor scores major victory in gop primary election

TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick scored a major victory Tuesday night when his aligned candidate, William Byrne, defeated Mo Hill-aligned challenger Kevin Geoghegan in the Republican primary election.

“First, I want to congratulate Bill Byrne on an amazing victory. His win is a win for our entire town,” Rodrick said. “For the third election in a row, the people of Toms River have rejected the corrupt, pro-development, big government policies of the prior administration, and they did so despite an onslaught of slanted, negative media coverage and protests. The people of Toms River want good government that works for the people. That is what Bill Byrne and our team will continue to do”

The two men were battling to fill the vacancy on the township council left by Rodrick when he became mayor last year. George Lobman is currently filling the seat until December 31st.

“This is another major victory for Toms River as we continue pushing forward with our agenda to stop overdevelopment, reign in spending, and cut unnecessary public jobs. Bill Byrne will help us achieve our goal of moving Toms River in a better direction,” Rodrick said. The voters of Ward 2 once again spoke loudly that they do not want Mo Hill’s brand of politics back in Toms River.”

Geoghegan, aligned with former Mayor Maurice Hill, is the Business Manager for Silverton EMS. He is a retired police officer and volunteer firefighter.

Byrne, a senior citizen, lives in Holiday City, Silverton.

In the election, Byrne was in the endorsed Republican party line under President Donald J. Trump. Trump received almost 97% of the vote.

“There’s a small group of people who come to our council meetings every month and do nothing by disrupt, interrupt, and shout from the back of the room,” Rodrick said. “These people do not represent Toms River. They represent the same special interests that are working to fight my administration, who want to restore the status quo in Toms River.”

“I want to thank the residents of Ward 2 for their support,” Byrne said. “I look forward to meeting them over the next few months and for the next two years.”

Rodrick criticized the small group of people who attend Toms River council meetings and shout over the meeting.

“These people want you to think they are part of some kind of movement, but what are they really against? A 0% tax increase? Stopping overdevelopment? More ambulances on the streets? Improved services at a lower cost to the taxpayer?” Rodrick said. “No, these people are upset because their guy lost last year and they will do whatever it takes to bring back the good old days of Mo Hill when everyone had a patronage job at town hall, or free benefits, or whatever deals Mo made to get a few votes.”

Bryne won the election 60-40% in the ward election which consists of the Silverton and north eastern part of Toms River.

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