Freeholder John Bartlett Won't Seek Re-Election Due To Ill Health

TOMS RIVER - It's hard to imagine the Ocean County Board of Freeholders without John C. Bartlett Jr. up on the dais.

Bartlett, 71, said today he will not be running for his 14th term on the board since the colorectal cancer he was diagnosed with three years ago has returned and spread. His health has deteriorated rapidly and he is in a lot of pain, according to an app.com report.

Bartlett, who is the freeholder deputy director this year, is the longest-serving freeholder in New Jersey. He has served on the board since 1980, oceancounty.gov says.

It's been Bartlett who configured the county budget each year and Bartlett who has presided over the county parks and recreation department.

To read the app.story, click here.

Patch will update this story when more information is available.

Photo: Courtesy of Ocean County government