Oceanport Reorganizes for 2014

By Christopher Sheldon

Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace and newcomer Robert Lynch were sworn in to their terms on the dais on Wednesday.

Irace and Lynch ran unopposed for two open spots on the council, one of which was vacated by John Ibex, who decided not to run for reelection after serving on the council for many years.

"I’d also like to thank outgoing Councilman Ted Ibex for his many years of service," Irace said. "I also would be remiss if I did not mention Will Johnson here. Will’s contributions regarding our two biggest issues, Fort Monmouth and Monmouth Park, have been invaluable to all of us as a Governing Body."'

Johnson was forced to resign from the council in November after taking a job with the county. He was replaced by Christopher Paglia on Nov. 25.

Irace spoke at the meeting and called for less housing at Fort Monmouth and for the development of a high tech campus on the Oceanport section of the closed fort.

"New York City and Cornell University recently embarked on a high tech campus on Roosevelt Island," Irace said. "We have the land, buildings and the beginnings of a campus right here in Oceanport."

He also said he hopes to see gaming come to racetracks, as they would provide even more revenue.

"The states that have already embraced the Racino business model have demonstrated that what is good for the horseracing industry is good for the gaming industry and vice versa," Irace said. "More importantly, what’s good for those industries is also good for all of New Jersey."