Your concerns for the future of Ocean County are heard and answered this past week by the Freeholder Director on an episode of Beach Radio's 'Managing Your Money'.

joe vicari
Joseph Vicari (Tom Mongelli/Townsquare Media NJ)
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A big concern among New Jerseyans is seemingly the fear or anger of being able to afford living and retiring in the Garden State.

In Ocean County, Joe Vicari made a vow that the burden for taxpayers this year will soften.

"I'm going to make a promise...(it was) nine-dollars last year...I'm going to cut that in half this year to $4.50," said Vicari.

They have a budget of over $400,000,000.00, Vicari adds in which they need to allocate funds for a variety of needs but nevertheless he reiterates his promise of a $4.50 cushion.

"We have the largest road system, library, and the best vocation school and college," Vicari said. "But $4.50...lock it in."

There seems to be mixed feelings on the new bail reform laws in New Jersey which have been in effect since January 1.

Vicari believes the bail reform laws will have a financial ripple effect into Ocean County.

"This year alone the taxpayers in Ocean County will pay at least $1,000,000.00 or $2,000,000.00 for this program," said Vicari. "I believe by-in-large it's not going to make us safer, but jeopardize the lives and safety of a lot of our residents."

He feels that the money being allocated in the 2017 budget for this program is a heavy cost burden for the county.

We're still in the early part of 2017 and resolutions are still being made, and Vicari says near the top of goals he has for this year is to make living in this community affordable.

"We need more jobs," said Vicari. "Jobs that pay a good salary, include health benefits and a good pension. The way to do that is to have a talented work force."

Continuing to provide education to students in Ocean County is another way to help create additional jobs in the future.

Drugs deals are increasingly occurring on the Internets "dark web" but they still are happening in local communities.

Vicari adds that some drug dealers are also living and selling narcotics in adult communities.

"We have more and more drug problems with people either manufacturing or dealing drugs (in these communities)," said Vicari. "It's usually not the elderly person living there but a member of their family that's in there."

Vicari encourages residents living in those communities to remain vigilant and say something if they see something.

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Contact Reporter Vin Ebenau at 848-221-8100 or at vin.ebenau@townsquaremedia.com

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