An upset

The people learned their power and forced change

Wind turbines were proposed by Republican state legislators to be installed at the NGTC. Borough residents sprang into action and quickly mounted an ernest protest. Facebook spread the word, and almost overnight, Manasquan, Brielle, and environmental groups rallied against the 325-foot tower as a threat to local children and birds. Lawn signs were everywhere. Governor Christie, with national aspirations, reacted quickly.

Mayor Mark Clemmensen got word out that the Governor had pulled the project. He had good reason to celebrate the win for the town. He was being challenged for mayor.

The unrest among residents over spending was still strong. The borough purchased a new street sweeper for $139,000, adding fuel for those who felt spending was out of control. They also took back recycling from a sharing relationship with Spring Lake, adding a drop-off location to Sea Girt, and additional staff.

When long-time council President Fred Neimeyer announced he was stepping aside after 15 years of public service, he hinted about some tension on the council and noted sarcastically about the role, “I will pursue other interests, thereby giving someone else the privilege of experiencing the joyous life of a council person in Sea Girt.”

Councilman Francis Kennedy, “Ken” Farrell mounted the first challenge for Mayor in 16 years. He claimed that practices in town put the interests of employees ahead of taxpayers, paying more vacation and sick pay than required by law. He hoped to rein in the costs of the DPW, Beach Utility, Police, and Administration.

Ken ran as an Independent Republican with Peter Mayer and Bill Foley. Mark Clemmensen was at the end of his term. Ken had another year on the council, so if he lost, he would have another election to keep his spot. The Republican committee supported the incumbent.

Ken lived on Ocean Ave. in the park with his wife, Jessica, and their four kids. He previously lived in Chatham but had a long relationship with the town. Ken summered at his grandparents’ on Ocean and New York before going to Georgetown and pursuing a finance career. After moving full-time to Sea Girt, he was on the council since 2005, his kids were in the school, and since he retired from Wall Street, he was on the regional sewer authority.

Mayor Ken Farrell (Sea Girt Borough Photo)

The primary voters chose change, 353-268. Farrell would be the new mayor running unopposed in November. His running mates split, Foley was in, but Paul Cerami nudged out Peter Mayer for the last council seat. Mayor Farrell asked former councilwoman Ann Morris to return to council and take his vacated seat for the remainder of his term.

Mark Clemmensen left office…for now.

A storm in September showed the efficacy of the new dunes. Irene took out the southern end of the Spring Lake boardwalk, but Sea Girt survived the storm nicely, with only some minor street flooding in the south of town.