Byrnes Wants To Run For Third District Congressional Seat Vacated By Runyon

by Patricia A. Miller

Township Council President James J. Byrnes made it official last night when he announced he's running for the Third District Congressional seat.

"I did throw my name into the Congressional race," Byrnes said during the council comments portion of the Township Council meeting last night. "Right now there's probably about 10 candidates."

Republican Jon Runyon announced earlier this year that he would not seek another term.

Ocean County residents will have a "boots on the ground Congressman," Byrnes said, if he's elected.

Byrnes had barely finished making his announcement when Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. jumped in with a lengthy endorsement of his candidacy.

Byrnes served as an Army medic during the Vietnam War and earned a Purple Heart, the mayor said. He's also served on the Berkeley Board of Education, planning board, zoning board and was the facilities director in the Freehold Regional school district.

"He brings a lot of qualifications to the table," Amato said. "I know Jim is taking it very seriously. He's very positive on issues here locally. I think it's time we reward such recognition. He wears his heart on his sleeve. There will be no better person than Jim Byrnes to replace Congressman Runyon."

Both Byrnes and Amato said it's time Ocean County had a Congressional representative.

"No congressman is going to be elected without going through Berkeley," Byrnes said.

Byrnes - who represents Ward 1 - was appointed to a council seat when former Councilwoman Karen Davis stepped down. He was elected to a one-year unexpired term in 2012 and won his first full four-year term in November.