Toms River Mayor Tom Keleher

Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher has called for embattled Township Council Vice President John Sevastakis to step down following recent negative publicity in connection with a civil lawsuit, but insists he's not worried about the image of the all-Republican governing body being tarnished in an election year.

State and local public officials that represent the Jersey Shore are expressing appreciation to the Governor for prioritizing Superstorm Sandy recovery during his State of the State Address in Trenton Tuesday.