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Handlin pushes for lower legal expenses
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/25/06BY ANDREA ALEXANDERKEYPORT BUREAU FREEHOLD — Amy H. Handlin served her last day as a Monmouth County freeholder Tuesday — two weeks after she was sworn as a member of the state Assembly — as the field of candidates vying for her seat on the board continues to grow. Handlin left her final mark on the board with a push to restructure the county legal department to cut costs. She spent her last weeks meeting with staff and the freeholders to share her research of other county legal departments. She also offered advice on advertisements for potential new county counsel candidates. Handlin said the study "should be done quickly" because of the high cost of legal services in the county. The bills for County Counsel Malcolm V. Carton total approximately $400,000 annually. He earns almost four times what some in-house county counsels are paid, but has defended his fees. "I believe this is at the top of the list for the new board," Handlin said. "I strongly encourage them to beat their own deadline." The Monmouth County Republican Committee will pick Handlin's replacement on the Freeholder board during a Feb. 25 convention, said Chairman Fredrick P. Niemann. Highlands Councilwoman Anna Little is the latest candidate to join the field of Republicans vying for the seat. Front-runners emerging in the race for Handlin's seat include Howell Mayor Joseph M. DiBella, Marlboro Mayor Robert Kleinberg, Wall Republican Municipal Chairman Robert F. McKenna and Middletown Committeewoman Rosemarie D. Peters. Tom DeSeno of Asbury Park has also received an outpouring of support, according to Republicans. Former Aberdeen Councilman Gus Toomey and Spring Lake Councilman Brian Reilly are also in the running. Handlin endorsed Peters in the race for her seat on the board. "I am pleased to support a superbly qualified candidate who is female," Handlin said.
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