PRESS RELEASE: Freeholder Candidate James Toto sets the example in Somers Point amid COVID-19

Somers Point Councilman James Toto, a Republican candidate for Atlantic County Freeholder, announced today that he has partnered with private industry to provide Somers Point municipal employees with COVID-19 testing. His press release on the matter follows:

Somers Point Councilman James Toto who is also seeking a seat as Atlantic County Freeholder-at-large has partnered with private industry to provide Somers Point, NJ municipal employees with private dedicated COVID-19 testing.

"We are in a crisis, and we have to look to President Trump's examples of partnering with industry to get through this. As a Councilman I want to do all that I can to keep Somers Point functioning during such a difficult time. By providing testing for our employees we can get those who are suspected of being positive tested, and back to work quicker. Or know for sure their status so they can take the appropriate measures. To solve this challenge, I contacted My Wellness Express and Mike Schwartz. Working with our administration here in Somers Point led by Sean McGuigan I am happy to announce testing will take place starting next week for our municipal employees through My Wellness Express. " Toto said.

Toto went on to discuss how the Somers Point plan could be put to use in other municipalities across Atlantic County "We have a testing site setup at the Hamilton Mall, which is great. But if the cities and towns across Atlantic County can take advantage of a resource like this they could reduce the burden on the county testing site and ensure municipal employees get fast test results to ease their anxiety, and the anxiety felt by their families. That would also free up opportunities for others to get tested at the Atlantic County testing site." Toto said.

"In this crisis, we don't need more government. We need more partnership with industry and I hope that our example in Somers Point shines as a beacon of what Republican leadership looks like."

Mike Schwartz of My Wellness Express echoed his support for Somers Point and municipal employees across South Jersey “as a former police officer, I know firsthand the challenges of keeping officers on the road during a crisis. Our police, fire, EMS, and municipal workers are on the front lines everyday and we are happy we can assist them during these times. When Jim called, we did not hesitate. I know how much he cares about his community and applaud his efforts to take the lead. Adequate testing is the only way to truly flatten the cure. I’m just glad we are in a position to help”

Jim Toto is a lifelong Republican and a 4 year veteran of Somers Point Council. Jim is a proud Veteran of the US Army. Following his time in the military, Toto answered his nation’s call and served as a US Air Marshal for 6 years. Following his retirement from his military/law enforcement career, Jim Toto currently works for the City of Ocean City Public Works Department. Toto is married with three children and resides in Somers Point, NJ.

US SENATE: Singh Has Raised $446K, But Campaign Has A Lower “Net Value” Than Flanagan Campaign

Thanks to COVID-19 there really hasn’t been much to write about lately. How many times can we say we are being stripped of our civil liberties?

Reading the stories of how much money the Republican candidates for US Senate have raised, and how much they have in the bank, got me thinking. My first thought? How in the hell did Hirsh Singh spend $418,287!

Seriously, Singh spent $418,287! He’s won four county lines. By my math he has spent $104,571.75 per county line. Even Bob Hugin didn’t spend that much to win a county line, and he spread some serious money around.

According to New Jersey Globe Singh has raised $445,969 so far, spent $418,287, has $26,582 cash-on-hand and debt of $45,355. This means the Singh campaign has a “net value” of ($18,773). NEGATIVE $18,773!

Conversely, long-shot social media campaigner Tricia Flanagan, according to New Jersey Globe, has raised $14,836 to date and has $2,234 on-hand. She lists no debt meaning her campaign has a “net value” of $2,234. $21,007 more value than the Singh campaign.

The fact that I’m writing the Flanagan campaign has more financial value than the Singh campaign speaks volumes!

Frontrunner candidate Rik Mehta has $181,164 cash-on-hand. To be fair I would imagine his campaign is carrying some debt, but like for Singh and Flanagan I’m only writing what was reported. Debt or not, Mehta’s campaign obviously has the highest net value of the candidates.

Basically, this means that the person connected to the Singh campaign who called me on March 23 at 4:20PM and spent 12 minutes and 30 seconds telling me that Mehta’s campaign was broke and had no money was talking out of their butt.

I guess this means the continued not always completely honest attacks on Mehta are going to continue. I suppose that’s the price one pays for being the clear frontrunner.

PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Van Drew Works with South Jersey Businesses to Provide PPE Masks

Congressman Jeff Van Drew is working with businesses in South Jersey to provide personal protective equipment (PPE). His press release on the matter follows:

In unison with President Trump and the federal government’s response to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to the areas that need them, Congressman Van Drew is working with businesses in South Jersey as they help our community fight the hidden enemy of Coronavirus.

United Uniforms in Rio Grande and Valken Distributors in Swedesboro helped to secure PPE, including n95 and surgical masks, that will be distributed to local healthcare workers and citizens. Congressman Van Drew will be purchasing close to $15,000 of PPE with a mix of personal and campaign funds. 

“We have always strived to serve our community first. In times like these we have to be there for our brothers and sisters on the front line serving our community,” said John Horton, CEO of United Uniforms. “We appreciate that we can help in whatever capacity and thank Dr. Van Drew for allowing us this opportunity”

“I want to thank United Uniforms and Valken Distributors as they provide valuable resources to South Jersey in this trying time,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “Our healthcare workers are on the front line of this war for our nation. We must provide them and every one of our citizens with the equipment and tools they need to wage war; I will do everything in my power to ensure that.”