OCEAN COUNTY – With senior Ocean County Board of Commissioners member Joseph Vicari’s recent announcement that he would not be seeking re-election after nearly 40 years of service, candidates are starting to emerge to vie for his spot that will become vacant next year.
Developer and engineer Frank Sadeghi has entered the race for Ocean County Commissioner. He owns and runs multiple businesses in the area, including Morgan Engineering and Arya Properties. Arya properties is a developer that has made several small neighborhoods throughout the county. It is co-owned by former Toms River Councilman George Wittmann. In 2019, Sadeghi purchased conservative publisher Shore News Network.
When former county GOP leader George Gilmore stepped down after charges of tax evasion, there was an election for leadership. Sadeghi, a Gilmore ally, lost to Frank Holman. After a Trump pardon, Gilmore returned to leading the GOP. There have been a few change-ups in local politics as Gilmore’s enemies have chosen not to run for re-election rather than face a primary battle.
Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes told The Berkeley Times that he is interested in screening for the county commissioner position. The New Jersey Globe reported that former Brick Councilman Michael Thulen has also announced his candidacy.
The Republican screening committee will have to choose who will get the party’s nomination. However, the committee members are likely to be chosen by Gilmore.
Sadeghi said, “I’d like to congratulate my friend of 35 years, Commissioner Vicari on his years of service to the residents of Ocean County and thank him and his family for their years of sacrifice in the name of public service. Commissioner Vicari has provided the Commissioner Board with needed stability since he joined. I wish Joe, Joyce and the entire Vicari family happiness as he transitions into the next chapter of his life.
“When I immigrated to the United States over 45 years ago, I found a country full of promise and hope,” Sadeghi added. “I landed at John F. Kennedy Airport and didn’t speak a word of English. Despite all adversities, I was able to live the American Dream, start a family, and build a thriving business. There is no other place on Earth where this would all have been possible.”
“I’ve decided to run for County Commissioner so that I can give back to an area that has given so much to me and my family. Through our businesses, we have been fortunate to create several hundred jobs for people right here in Ocean County. I look forward to joining the other four members of the Board who are fighting for Ocean County’s residents to make sure Ocean County always remains the best place to live, work and raise a family in the entire state,” Sadeghi added.
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