Community Corner

Kyrillos Confident Heading Into GOP Primary

A good part of state Sen. Joe Kyrillos' focus is on lifting the state economy and bringing in jobs.

Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R-Middletown) attended eight different Memorial Day events in the Monmouth County over four days last week, marching in parades and participating in solemn ceremonies. 

Along the way, the longtime state Senator is speaking to constituents about his platform for re-election, which includes reforms to make New Jersey a more attractive place for businesses, a level field for all schoolchildren regardless of where they live, and property tax reform. 

He goes into the Republican primary on Tuesday "optimistic" about his chances against challenger Leigh-Ann Bellew, running under the slogan "Republicans for Conservative Leadership." But he said Republicans supporters must turn out at the polls to support him and other incumbents against the conservative group's challenge. "I work hard in all of my campaigns," he said Friday. "I don't take anything for granted." 

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Kyrillos said he feels his work on the state Senate Economic Development Committee is having a big imact on the state, where a major thrust is to to attract new businesses and jobs to New Jersey through incentive programs.  "We need to rebound after Hurricane Sandy, we need to regroup at Fort Monmouth, bring business to Bell Labs in Holmdel." More information about Kyrillos' pending legislation is available on his website. 

Kyrillos said it has been his privilege to serve in the Senate in his long career, and that he is grateful for the support. "I've voted against tax increases 115 times, sponsored school reforms, tax reforms, and I know that our state is better off for my having been there," he said. 

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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