Doherty and Reilly for State Assembly

FUNDRAISER BENEFITING MTOTSA LEGAL DEFENSE FUND A SUCCESS

In the living room of Ocean Terrace resident Rose LaRosa, 11th District Democratic Assembly candidates Matt Doherty and Jim Reilly, State Senator Ellen Karcher, and Monmouth County Democratic Freeholder candidates Rebecca Aaronson and Barbara McMorrow successfully helped the residents of the Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue Alliance (MTOTSA) host their first legal defense fund fundraiser, infusing their fight against eminent domain abuse with donations from residents, community leaders and concerned elected officials across Monmouth County.

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2005
Contact: James Sverapa IV (Doherty & Reilly)
Ph: 732-389-3103
Contact: Jessica Cohen (Senator Karcher)
Ph: 732-462-8883
Contact: Cathleen Lewis (Aaronson & McMorrow)
Ph: 732-394-9008

FUNDRAISER BENEFITING MTOTSA LEGAL DEFENSE FUND A SUCCESS

LONG BRANCH

-In the living room of Ocean Terrace resident Rose LaRosa, 11th District Democratic Assembly candidates Matt Doherty and Jim Reilly, State Senator Ellen Karcher, and Monmouth County Democratic Freeholder candidates Rebecca Aaronson and Barbara McMorrow successfully helped the residents of the Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue Alliance (MTOTSA) host their first legal defense fund fundraiser, infusing their fight against eminent domain abuse with donations from residents, community leaders and concerned elected officials across Monmouth County.

"Homeownership in New Jersey is under attack from corrupt politicians and greedy developers and their weapon of choice is eminent domain abuse," said Doherty. "Jim and I have always believed that the concept of using eminent domain for economic development is wrong. That is why we are here today, contributing our time and our money, to help the residents of the MTOTSA alliance continue the fight to keep their homes."

Over a month and a half ago, Doherty and Reilly unveiled their plan to combat eminent domain abuse in New Jersey. They have called on Acting Governor Codey to institute a statewide moratorium on all eminent domain use until the Legislature can pass a Homeowners Protection Act. They support the current legislation pending before the New Jersey Senate and Assembly and further believe that if a person owns and occupies their home, and it is up to code, that it should not be taken through eminent domain for purposes of economic development. Doherty and Reilly also support expanding the rights of business owner/operators who are threatened by eminent domain abuse.

"In a corruption rich county like Monmouth, all it takes is a few well placed bribes and a few blind eyes and any of us could be turned out onto the streets, our homes stolen from us," said Reilly. "We have walked door to door and demonstrated with the residents of the MTOTSA alliance. We've looked in their eyes and have seen their anger and frustration at the thought of losing their homes. That is why Matt and I are here today working to raise money so they can continue the fight to save their homes in court."

Following the June 23, 2005 Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut, US Supreme Court ruling, municipalities were given the power to utilize eminent domain for reasons of economic redevelopment. If a municipality decides that the financial good of the community would be better served with new commercial development or new high density housing, the Kelo decision now allows the municipality to enact eminent domain for this purpose.

"The abuse of eminent domain powers is wrong for New Jersey, wrong for Monmouth County and wrong for the residents who make their homes here," said Senator Karcher, D-Mercer and Monmouth. "Matt Doherty and Jim Reilly, along with my legislative colleagues from the 12th District, Assemblymen Mike Panter and Bob Morgan, and Freeholder candidates Rebecca Aaronson and Barbara McMorrow, understand the dangers of eminent domain abuse upon the lives and livelihoods of our county's residents, and the impact on the stability of communities willing to trade homes for strip malls. I'm proud to stand here with them today, in support of Monmouth County's families who worry if they're going to be kicked out of their homes."

"Eminent domain is clearly being abused in Monmouth County," said Aaronson. "As Freeholders, Barbara and I will make sure the county uses its resources to curb this horrible practice."

"Eminent domain is supposed to be used as a last resort, not to build a resort," said McMorrow. "Here in Monmouth County, the abuse has gone on long enough. Rebecca and I will make sure the county does not contribute to this abuse."

One hundred percent of the money raised today will be used to fund the MTOTSA alliance's legal defense fund, enabling residents to continue their fight against eminent domain abuse in the courts. All of the elected officials present donated money to the fund.

Donations to the MTOTSA alliance can be made payable to Bathgate, Wegner & Wolfe - Trustees for MTOTSA, One Airport Road, PO Box 2043, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

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TO VISIT THE MTOTSA WEBSITE, CLICK HERE.