Mayor Walsh Ready for Saturday Election

On Saturday morning Republican county committee members will gather at Colts Neck High School to determine who will fill the vacated seat on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

One of the four is Mayor Robert Walsh, who said he has been busy getting his message out around the county. After all his efforts, Walsh said he is "cautiously optimistic," about his chances of emerging victorious. "I've gotten tremendous support all over the county and especially in my hometown of Howell," he said.

Seeing the support of the residents of Howell has helped him through this unusual election cycle. "It's testimony not only of the work I've done as a councilman and mayor, but also the work that has been done by the governing body of Howell Township."

The vote will not be open to members of the public. Tuesday's election will be determined by the county committee members who will vote for either Walsh, Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso, Atlantic Highlands Councilman Peter Doyle or Manalapan Councilman Ryan Green.

The four candidates are scheduled to be at Doolan's Shore Club in Spring Lake Heights tonight for a Meet the Candidates Night.

On the campaign trail, Walsh said his message has been consistent. "It's just that my target area is different," he said. "I still talk about some of the good things we've done in Howell."

Some of those accomplishments include working to control taxes for residents and the purchase of the . "I speak about how Howell is looked at in a much more positive light," he said. "The citizens of Howell are working together to make Howell a better place, and it's a good thing to see."

Walsh, who will have to resign from the township committee in order to join the freeholders, said he has not been concerned with who may be favored and is focused on running his race. "I pay attention to telling the truth, running on my record and telling people why I think I would be a good freeholder."

The special election was called when former Monmouth County Freeholder Rob Clifton was elected to the state Assembly in the November elections.

The voting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at Colts Neck High School.

Check back with Howell Patch for full coverage of the race.