TOMS RIVER, N.J. – It’s the first regular township council meeting of 2026 and the newly elected township council is already creating jobs for their close friends and political allies by restoring a position that was previously cut by the township council and Mayor Dan Rodrick in 2024.
Rodrick and his council allies deemed the position unnecessary and cut it to lower taxes.
The Toms River Township Council has announced they will move to hire New Jersey GOP political operative Noriko Kowalewski as the town’s new Records Manager/Council Liaison, a move that has sparked criticism from residents and local observers who allege the appointment is another example of political patronage in Ocean County government.
According to a township resolution dated January 14, the council authorized the creation of the new position within the Office of the Municipal Clerk “to bridge the communication gap between the legislative body, the Office of the Municipal Clerk, and the citizens of Toms River.” Kowalewski’s appointment becomes official on February 16, 2026, with an annual salary of $73,000 plus a $75,000 benefits package.
Mayor Dan Rodrick says he will block Noriko’s appointment.
“Political patronage and cronyism is back en vogue witht he new Mo Hill town council,” Rodrick.”At the same time tonight, they’re going to try to screw over three dozen police officers and force them to wait another year to take the test they deserve to take this year. All of this just to hire and promote their political friends.”
Kowaleski is a political operative and well known in political circles in Ocean and Monmouth County.
The role, which was cut as unecessary two years ago by Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick and the previous council claims to combine constituent services, public relations, and administrative support for council members, including responding to resident inquiries, coordinating outreach initiatives, and managing public information.
The resolution notes that the appointee will serve as a primary point of contact between the public and the Township Council.
That position was not listed in the 2026 township operating budget and will require a tax increase to pay for the salary and medical benefits.
Critics have questioned the necessity of the newly created position, pointing to long-standing concerns over politically connected hires in Toms River government. Supporters, however, argue the role is designed to improve transparency and communication between residents and elected officials.
