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Mike Beson, who has served as both a Mayor of Neptune and a member of the Ocean Township Board of Education, announced that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination to run for Monmouth County Commissioner.

The five-member Board of Commissioners — formerly known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders until a new state law last year changed the name — oversees the sprawling county government.

One of the five seats is up for grabs this year. It’s currently held by incumbent Republican Commissioner Susan Kiley.

Beson will seek the party nod at the Monmouth County Democratic Organization’s convention in March.

The following is the text of Beson’s news release announcing his candidacy:

Mike Beson Announces Run for Monmouth County Board of Commissioners

Ocean Township – ​Small-business owner and longtime Monmouth County resident Mike Beson has formally announced his candidacy for Monmouth County Board of Commissioners.

“I am running for Monmouth County Commissioner to make our County more affordable, attract new businesses, and jumpstart our local economy. Having held various positions in government along with owning a small business, I am prepared to meet these pressing challenges,” Beson commented.

Beson has previously served on a variety of non-profit boards in Monmouth County, as the Mayor of Neptune Township, and as an elected member of the Ocean Township Board of Education. “I am deeply committed to our County – bringing the experience as a small-business owner to make sure our government operates efficiently and creatively,” stated Beson.

On April 7th, 2020, during the height of the pandemic, the Board of Commissioners voted to give themselves a raise. “While thousands of Monmouth County residents were out of work and desperately calling the Department of Labor for their unemployment benefits, and in some cases grieving the loss of a loved one, the County Commissioners voted to give themselves a pay increase. At the same time, I was struggling to make payroll for my business. My opponent’s vote to raise her salary was completely out of touch with the needs of Monmouth County residents,” said Beson.

“I have worked in business and government for many years, and I am excited to bring my experience and unique perspective to the County. The Board of Commissioners is severely lacking a diversity of ideas, and if the voters of Monmouth County choose to elect me, I will not only fight to lower property taxes, and I will be a much-needed independent voice for all residents of Monmouth County,” said Beson.

Beson will seek the Monmouth County Democrats party nomination at their March convention.

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