Monmouth County Board Of Commissioners Primary 2025: Thomas Arnone

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — This year’s Republican primary race for the Board of County Commissioners is packed in Monmouth County with three candidates running for two of the party’s open spots.

Candidate Thomas Arnone is running for re-election on the board with Dominick “Nick” DiRocco against challenger Mary Katie Kelliher.

In the Democratic Primary race, Vito Colasurdo and Jacquelyn Wenzel are running for the two spots open for their party’s nomination.

Early voting for the Primary Election will run from June 3 through June 8. Primary Election Day is June 10.

Are you running for the Board of County Commissioners in Monmouth County? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Thomas Arnone

Age: 62
Town of Residence: Neptune City
Education: High School, Student at Brookdale Community College
Occupation: Former Small Business Owner, Current Vice President of PRC Group &
Monmouth County Commissioner Director

What drove you to seek public office?
I was driven to seek public office by a deep commitment to serving the community that shaped who I am.

Growing up in Monmouth County, I saw firsthand how local government can make a real difference in people’s daily lives. I wanted to be part of that impact, to make sure our residents, businesses, and families have the resources they need to thrive.

During my time as Mayor of Neptune City, I also noticed a disconnect between municipalities and county government. I knew we could better serve our residents if we built a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the two, and I was determined to help make that happen.

Public service isn’t just a career to me, it’s a commitment to protect, strengthen, and improve the place we call home.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What sets me apart is my proven leadership, vast experience, and real results. I’ve proudly served five terms on the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, and my colleagues have elected me Director multiple times because of my ability to lead effectively and deliver for our residents.

I created major initiatives like Grow Monmouth, Made in Monmouth, Grown in Monmouth, and Brewed and Distilled in Monmouth to drive economic development and support local businesses. I also built one of the most robust Shared Services Departments in New Jersey, helped Monmouth County maintain a AAA bond rating, expanded our nationally recognized parks and golf course systems, and enhanced county services, all while keeping taxes stable.

As the liaison to Tourism, I have helped promote Monmouth County’s $2.9 billion tourism industry, showcasing our world-class beaches, restaurants, and attractions that bring visitors and revenue into our communities.

What do you see as the biggest issue Monmouth County is facing, and how will you resolve it?
One of the biggest challenges we face is balancing the impact of inflation while maintaining the high quality of life and services our residents expect, all while keeping taxes stable. To address this, we’ve had to be both creative and fiscally responsible.

One strategy has been to privatize areas of government that can be more efficiently managed by private-sector professionals. A prime example is the Monmouth County Reclamation Center, which we successfully privatized, saving taxpayers approximately $17.3 million. Additionally, we sold the County’s two care centers for $32 million, which provided an immediate infusion of cash used to offset the budget for several years and continues to save taxpayers roughly $8 million annually.

These decisions weren’t just about cutting costs, they were about maximizing value and redirecting resources to where they’re most needed. When combined with programs like Grow Monmouth, our top-rated Shared Services Department, and strategic economic development initiatives, these efforts allow us to keep Monmouth County strong, efficient, and affordable even during financially challenging times.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
Throughout my time as Commissioner and Director of the Board, I have overseen major departments like Public Works and Engineering, Economic Development, Transportation, Tourism, and Public Information.

I led the creation of Grow Monmouth, the Healthy Monmouth Initiative, and the Made in Monmouth events to support local businesses and residents. I established the best Shared Services Department in the state, maintained a AAA bond rating, strengthened Monmouth County’s position as a top tourism destination, and helped grow some of the best parks and golf courses in New Jersey.

As the County’s representative on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), I’ve also worked tirelessly to secure critical funding for our infrastructure. Over the last 10 years, I’ve helped Monmouth County secure over $276 million in NJTPA funding, investments that directly support road improvements, bridge replacements, safety upgrades, and long-term transportation planning. These funds are vital to keeping our infrastructure strong, modern, and ready for future growth.

Prior to becoming a Commissioner, I served as Mayor of Neptune City, where I secured over $1.5 million in grants and led the successful revitalization of key areas in the community. My experience is built on action, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to Monmouth County’s success.

If elected, what do you most hope to achieve in Monmouth County?
If re-elected, I will continue to protect and enhance the quality of life that makes Monmouth County so special, expanding economic opportunities, growing tourism, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, protecting the environment, and keeping services high-quality while keeping taxes stable.

One of my top priorities is making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and modern needs, from roads and bridges to public facilities and stormwater management. I also plan to continue expanding shared services opportunities for our municipalities, helping them work together to save taxpayer dollars.

Monmouth County is already leading the way, and my goal is to continue that momentum, making our community even stronger for the next generation.

Name one thing about Monmouth County that always makes you smile.
It’s the people. The community spirit that you feel at every event, every beach, every downtown.

Whether you’re visiting one of our award-winning parks, enjoying our beautiful beaches, dining at one of our incredible local restaurants, or shopping at a small business showcased through Made in Monmouth, you see neighbors supporting neighbors.

That sense of pride, resilience, and community is what makes Monmouth County truly special and keeps me inspired to serve every single day.