TOMS RIVER, NJ – Led by New Jersey Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin, a handful of Jersey Shore Republicans are lining up behind Governor Phil Murphy’s draconian executive orders and are trying to up the ante by introducing and supporting a bill that would fine residents up to $10,000 for things like going to the park, playing on a sports field or trying to make a side buck to keep your family fed.
The bill, which would raise fines from $1,000 to $10,000 for simple misdemeanor violations was sponsored by Toms River Township Republican Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin and his partner in crime, John Catalano. Also signing on were Assemblymen Eric Houghtaling, Joan Downey, Sean Kean, Ned Thomson and Diane Gove. Last week, Jackson Township Republican Mayor Michael Reina and his township council, Barry Calogero, Alex Sauicke, Andy Kern, Ken Bressi and Marty Flemming all signed a resolution in support of the $10,000 fines in their township.
McGuckin’s bill, it turns out was crafted as a financial weapon against Lakewood Township residents, according to McGuckin who has told numerous people who have criticized his plan.
McGuckin knew that his minority Republican party has no teeth to actually pass the bill, especially when even Democrats think it’s a horrible plan and it will never see the light of day. Instead, it was a political action to gain favor in the election polls.
Regardless, it’s bad news when Republicans here at the Jersey Shore are in lockstep with Governor Phil Murphy’s overreaching series of laws that will cripple the Jersey Shore for years to come.
Correction: U.S. Senator Sam Thompson was incorrectly added to the list, instead of bill sponsor, New Jersey Assemblyman Ned Thomson.
