TOMS RIVER – In just one term as an Ocean County Commissioner, Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea leaves with some commendable accomplishments. During this past year, Crea served as the board’s director, a role traditionally held by senior members.
While her time as a commissioner was brief, her career in public service spans decades. Crea served four terms on the Little Egg Harbor Township Committee and was mayor in 2006, 2007, 2019, and 2020. Transitioning to county-level service brought new challenges, but Crea embraced them with determination.
“When I was elected to this position, I promised to treat it as a full-time job, and I did just that,” Crea said. Her daily commute from Little Egg Harbor to Toms River often included long days and late-night meetings to keep county operations running.
One of Crea’s most significant achievements was her work on the Homelessness Trust Fund. For years, the initiative faced resistance, but Crea tackled it methodically. She worked to address concerns and educate her colleagues about its purpose.
“I think some people misunderstood how the money would be used,” Crea explained. “With help from Human Services, we showed that this wasn’t about enabling drug addiction or alcoholism. It was about finding real solutions.”
The Trust Fund, fueled by small fees on certain documents with the Clerk’s office, has already had a major impact. With Toms River’s Code Blue shelter closing, the fund stepped in to open Ocean County’s Code Blue shelter on Route 9. Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ), a non-profit organization with expertise in the area was awarded the contract to run the Code Blue shelter.
Ocean County has long been criticized for its failure to offer a dedicated shelter for its growing homeless population. This year, under Crea’s leadership, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners allocated $12.5 million to nonprofits for transitional housing solutions.
“This wasn’t something the county should run itself,” Crea explained. “We provided funding to experts who focus on homelessness, mental health, addiction counseling, and affordable housing. Some of this money also helps youth aging out of the system become independent adults.”
Crea’s advocacy extended to Ocean County’s extensive senior population. She recognized food insecurity and social isolation as issues and supported congregate meal programs as a part of her work with Senior Services. It’s another issue that’s dear to her heart.
“Too many seniors quietly suffer alone,” Crea said. “These programs gave them not just a meal but a chance to connect and enjoy their lives. They deserve that.”
(From left) Karen Kennedy, Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter America 250, Commissioner Virginia Haines, and Barbara Jo Crea honoring the Daughters of the American Revolution. (Photo courtesy Ocean County)
Throughout her term, Crea praised the county staff, who helped her navigate the challenges of the role. She said that everyone explained things to her in easy-to-understand terms so that she could make educated decisions.
While some things were intuitive, Crea admitted she learned a great deal as liaison to the Department of Planning and Solid Waste Management. And while she credited each of the department heads, Crea said their leadership was enhanced by the people who worked with them. She hesitated to name individuals for fear of inadvertently forgetting someone who plays critical roles in county operations.
“The directors are important at what they do,” shared Crea. “But the staff that they have on board are the body and souls of their departments, and they all make it work.”
One of Crea’s most memorable experiences came after she gave a speech on domestic violence to a crowded room in the Ocean County Library. A young girl approached her for a hug.
“I looked at her parent for permission, and when I hugged her, I knew my words had made an impact,” Crea said. “It reminded me how powerful compassion and connection can be.”
Crea credited her late mother for the values that guided her success.
“My mother taught me that you can’t give what you don’t have,” she said. “She taught me integrity, honesty, and compassion. I carried those lessons with me in everything I did.”
As she steps down, Crea offered advice to her successors: “Always make decisions that serve the best interests of the people you represent.”
Though she is leaving the Board of Commissioners, Crea does not plan on retiring from public service. For starters, she’d like to continue to advocate for seniors.
“When I heard there was an opening on the Little Egg Harbor Senior Advisory Board, I sent in my letter and resume right away,” she said. “I’m looking forward to staying involved.”
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