Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen

06/18/2026

Congratulations to Bella Cucina Bayville on celebrating their 1-year anniversary. It was a pleasure joining Mayor Bacchione and Commissioner Frank Sadeghi for the ribbon cutting as we celebrated this great local business and the owners who have brought something special to our community. Bella Cucina is exactly what makes Ocean County strong. Small businesses like this create jobs, support our local economy, and give residents a place to gather, connect, and enjoy great food close to home.

We are grateful for their investment in Bayville and wish them continued success in the years ahead.

06/18/2026

The Ocean County Airport continues to be a strong asset for Ocean County. It brings business activity, supports good-paying jobs, and continues to attract investment into Ocean County. As demand grows, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners is making thoughtful, forward-looking investments to make sure the airport is ready for the future.

Right now, there are five hangars in operation, with another under construction. At last night’s meeting, we approved funding for two additional box hangar buildings as well as a new maintenance hangar. In addition, four more hangars have already received Pinelands approval.

I am proud to support these investments alongside my fellow Commissioners. We are committed to making sure we are not just keeping up with demand, but planning ahead in a responsible way that benefits residents and businesses across the county.

Ocean County is moving forward, and we will continue making smart investments that strengthen our future.

06/16/2026

This week is National Men's Health Week, and it's a good reminder for all of us. As men, we're often focused on taking care of everyone else. Our families, our jobs, our responsibilities. But too often, we put our own health on the back burner.

Through Ocean County Human Services and our community partners, there are resources available to support residents with everything from wellness and recovery services to senior programs, veterans services, and more.

This week, I encourage the men of Ocean County to make themselves a priority. Take a walk. Schedule that appointment. Have a conversation. Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

06/12/2026

It was an honor to join Commissioner Ray Gormley in swearing in 10 new Ocean County Corrections Officers this week.

These men and women are stepping into a profession that requires integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public service. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe.

Congratulations to each of our newest officers and their families on this important milestone. We thank you for choosing to serve Ocean County and wish you much success in the years ahead.

06/08/2026

Preservation, Preservation, Preservation. As land values continue to rise and development pressures increase throughout Ocean County, it becomes even more important that we take proactive steps to preserve the open spaces, forests, waterways, and farmland that help define our quality of life.

Since 1998, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has helped preserve more than 30,000 acres of open space and over 3,600 acres of farmland. To continue these efforts, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners is proposing an increase of just 1¢ per $100 of equalized property valuation dedicated to open space preservation. This proposal will be presented to voters for consideration this November.

Protecting our natural resources is an investment in the future of Ocean County. Once open space is lost, it is rarely recovered. By preserving land today, we can ensure future generations continue to enjoy the character and beauty that make Ocean County such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

Learn more by reading the full press release:
https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmPressReleaseDetails.aspx?Name=11157

06/08/2026

Living in Ocean County, we don't have to travel far to experience the beauty and power of the ocean. It's part of our identity, our economy, and our quality of life. Today on World Ocean Day, I'm reminded how important it is that we continue to be good stewards of the beaches, bays, and waterways that make our county such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. Let's do our part to keep Ocean County's coastline clean and healthy for generations to come. Happy World Ocean Day, Ocean County!

Good morning Ocean County from Point Pleasant Beach. Our Fiona taking in the early morning view. County Sheriff PBA

06/05/2026

Most of us don't spend much time thinking about property fraud, but unfortunately, it's a growing problem across the country. Scammers are finding ways to record fraudulent documents, such as fake deeds or false liens, against property owners.

That's why I wanted to share a FREE resource available through the Office of the Ocean County Clerk called Property Alert. This service notifies you when a document is recorded under your name, helping you stay informed and identify any activity that may need your attention.

Taking a few minutes to enroll is a simple way to be proactive rather than reactive. I encourage all Ocean County property owners to take advantage of this free service and learn more about how it works.

For More Information Visit: https://countyclerkpas.co.ocean.nj.us/PropertyAlert/

A few minutes today can help you avoid a much bigger problem tomorrow.

06/04/2026

I recently had the opportunity to join my fellow Ocean County Commissioner's Commissioner Robert Arace, Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, & Commissioner Gormley, along with Ocean County Sheriff and community members to see firsthand an incredible project taking shape right here in Ocean County.

Volunteers from EAA Chapter 898 in Toms River are helping build the “The Impossible Airplane,” a custom aircraft designed for Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot.

What impressed me most was not only the remarkable engineering behind this aircraft, but also the dedication of the volunteers who are donating their time, talent, and expertise to make this vision a reality. Their work is a testament to the spirit of service, collaboration, and ingenuity that makes Ocean County such a special place.

Thank you to everyone involved in this inspiring effort. I look forward to following the progress of this one-of-a-kind aircraft and celebrating its future success.

Ocean County Government

06/02/2026

Today, on Primary Election Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Supervisors Beth Raymond and Jason Varano, along with the entire team at the Ocean County Board of Elections, for their dedication and hard work in serving our residents.

I had the opportunity to visit and see firsthand the incredible effort and coordination that goes into running an election. Long before the polls open and well after they close, the Board of Elections staff works tirelessly to prepare polling locations, train election workers, process ballots, and ensure every aspect of the election is conducted accurately, efficiently, and securely.

While much of their work takes place behind the scenes, it is essential to maintaining public confidence and trust in our elections. Thank you, Beth, Jason, and the entire Board of Elections team for your outstanding service to the people of Ocean County.

06/01/2026

Tomorrow is Primary Day and if you vote by mail, now’s the time to double check where your ballot ended up. Sometimes it gets tucked under papers, buried on the counter, or forgotten in the stack of mail. Take a minute tonight to find it, fill it out, and make your plan to return it before the deadline. Every vote counts, but only if it gets turned in. 🇺🇸🗳️