Politics & Government

Serena DiMaso Joins Freeholder Board

Former Holmdel mayor and committeewoman was sworn in to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomed a new face on the dais. Former Holmdel Township Committeewoman Serena DiMaso was sworn in as a member of the county board during the governing body’s regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the building in Freehold.

“I am honored and humbled to stand on the shoulders of these great men and women who came before me, whose foresight and vision for Monmouth County has made it one of the best—if not the best—place to live in the United States,” said DiMaso, who was joined during her swearing-in ceremony by her husband and four children. “My promise to all you is this: I will continue the tradition of providing Monmouth County residents with quality of life that is second to none and doing it in a way that is fiscally responsible.”

DiMaso, a lawyer, chair of the Bayshore Community Hospital, replaces former Freeholder Director Robert Clifton. Clifton resigned from the board following his election to the state Assembly. DiMaso was at Colts Neck High School on Saturday, Jan. 14. She was one of four candidates voted on by members of the Monmouth County Republican Committee. Her competitors included Atlantic Highlands Councilman Peter Doyle, Manalapan Councilman Ryan Green, and Howell Mayor Robert Walsh.

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Members of the freeholder board congratulated DiMaso on joining the county governing body.

“I’m looking forward to working with you. I think you’re going to do fine things for the county,” Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas Arnone said.

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Freeholder Director John Curley noted that DiMaso’s service in municipal government will be an asset for the freeholder board.

“Freeholder DiMaso you bring a wealth of experience as a public official as a mayor, deputy mayor and committeewoman in the Township of Holmdel. Your input is certainly welcome,” Curley said.

DiMaso is the second new freeholder to join the all-Republican board this month. Freeholder Gary Rich, who defeated former Freeholder Amy Mallet, a Democrat, in the November election, was administered the oath of office during the county’s reorganization meeting at on Thursday, Jan 5.

DiMaso will serve as the freeholder liaison for commerce and education. She vowed to keep fiscal responsibility and taxpayer needs at the forefront during her tenure as freeholder.

“It is vitally important that in these difficult economic times we keep from passing that burden onto the taxpayers. But it’s equally that we spend our tax dollars wisely and efficiently to give Monmouth County residents the services they deserve,” DiMaso said. “I look forward to working with my fellow freeholders as a team. Working together we will keep Monmouth County the beautiful jewel it was meant to be and the envy of every other county.”


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