Toms River, NJ – A heated election battle in Ocean County took a dramatic turn this week after incumbent school board member Kathy Eagan, a Democrat and former leader of the local teachers union, abruptly withdrew her lawsuit seeking to remove her Republican opponent from the ballot.
Eagan, who is running for a third term on the Toms River Regional school board, had filed an Order to Show Cause to block George Lobman, a former Toms River councilman, from appearing on the November ballot. Her claim accused Lobman of falsifying his nominating petition by certifying that he personally collected signatures when others allegedly circulated the petition. A notary was also accused of mishandling the paperwork.
But during a September 4 hearing, defense lawyers presented evidence suggesting Eagan had made contradictory statements in prior testimony. When asked if she would testify under oath to clarify the inconsistencies, Eagan refused and withdrew her case, according to court filings.
The decision leaves Lobman on the ballot, ensuring voters will choose between him, Eagan, and a third candidate in the school board race. Ocean County officials said ballots are being finalized soon, making the withdrawal decisive in shaping the November election.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick, also named in the lawsuit, welcomed the outcome. “This is how democracy should work,” Rodrick said. “There will be a stark contrast between the two candidates, and I say let the voters decide.”
Court documents further revealed questions about testimony from a woman identified as Ms. Musso, who claimed she did not realize she was signing Lobman’s petition. Defense lawyers countered that her statement did not allege misrepresentation by Lobman, Rodrick, or others, but instead raised doubts about why she signed and later provided a certification to Eagan.
Lobman, who has campaigned on restoring financial stability to the school district, will now face voters directly without the shadow of legal challenges to his candidacy.
Key Points
- Incumbent Kathy Eagan dropped her lawsuit to disqualify opponent George Lobman from the Toms River school board race.
- Defense lawyers raised concerns that Eagan’s contradictory statements could expose her to perjury risk.
- Lobman remains on the ballot in a race that also includes a third candidate.
The courtroom clash has shifted to the ballot box, where Toms River voters will now decide the future of their schools.
