No Primary Fights in Ocean Freeholder Race

There will be no June primary contest for Democrats or Republicans vying for a three-year term on Ocean County’s all-Republican, all-male Board of Freeholders.

Only Republican incumbent Joseph H. Vicari of Toms River, and Democrat Michelle Rosen of Waretown filed nominating petitions for the backing of their parties by today’s 4 p.m. deadline, according to County Clerk Scott Colabella.

Both candidates are former members of the Dover Township Committee. Rosen served one term after being elected in 1977. Vicari served on the Committee from 1980 to 1994. He was elected a freeholder in 1981.

Vicari, who just returned as schools superintendent in Berkeley Township after a nearly two-year absence,  has never lost a primary or general election. Rosen, who teaches public speaking at Ocean County College, was elected to a seat on the Charter Study Commission in Barnegat in 2004 when she lived there. She ran unsuccessfully for the Assembly in the 9th District in 2007 and for Ocean County Clerk last year.

Independent candidates have until June 7 to file nominating petitions for the November general election, Colabella said.