News

John J. Murphy (right), an elected county committeeman in New Jersey for 20 years, was sworn in March 27 succeeding Robert Evans in Manalapan’s at-large Seat 2 post. Evans did not seek re-election after serving four years on the commission.            
    “I’ve always been interested in government and been involved in county and municipal government all my life,” said Murphy, 77, who has lived on Point Manalapan for eight years.         
     Two other commissioners, Louis DeStefano (left) and Howard Roder, were unopposed for re-election.
    Murphy, a college dropout, formerly owned the largest school bus company in New Jersey, where much of the school busing is farmed out to private firms. He still owns a small taxi and limousine firm.  A familiar face at commission meetings, Murphy said the town faces no burning issues, although the town’s water operation is a concern.            “It’s a nice town in which to live and I want to see it stay that way. Stability is very important,” Murphy said. “I’m not looking to blow my own horn, but I can do the job.”
                                            — Tim O’Meilia