New sheriff in town could be a woman Guadagno promises fiscal responsibility, revenue generation BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent Kim Guadagno For the first time in the history of Monmouth County, a woman has been nominated to run for the office of county sheriff. Kimberly Guadagno, a Monmouth Beach commissioner, was successful in winning the GOP nomination at the party convention on March 24. Originally seeking support for an 11th District Assembly seat, Guadagno's plans quickly changed when a phone call arrived from current Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph Oxley. Oxley announced shortly before the convention that he would not be seeking re-election. "Joe Oxley asked me to run for sheriff instead and believed that I had all the skill sets necessary for the job," Guadagno said. "Once Oxley said he was leaving, that was it; I realized that my background was a perfect fit," she stated. As for seeking a position traditionally held by a male, Guadagno said, "I am a qualified individual first before I am a woman. If I can convince a jury of 12 to convict someone for a crime, then convincing the public of my qualifications should not be a hard sell." In an e-mail commenting on Guadagno's candidacy, Monmouth County Republican Chairman Adam Puharic wrote: "Now is the perfect time for Monmouth County to have its first female sheriff. Kim Guadagno is a well-qualified, compassionate leader who will use her experience in prosecuting corrupt politicians as a U.S. Attorney to the benefit of all Monmouth County residents." Indeed, most of Guadagno's professional life has revolved around law enforcement, according to her résumé. In addition to her experience as a federal U.S. attorney and deputy chief of the Corruption Unit in Newark, Guadagno also served as deputy director of the Division of Criminal Justice in Trenton, part of the state Attorney General's office. As a Monmouth Beach commissioner, she serves as liaison to the fire department and first aid squad. "I have experience on a federal, state and local level," Guadagno said. Guadagno commended Oxley for his job performance. "Joe Oxley worked hard to elevate the sheriff's office to a five-star status, the crown jewel of Monmouth County," she said. She also acknowledged that the role of law enforcement has changed dramatically since Sept. 11, 2001. "The highest priority, no matter what our party affiliation is, must be the safety and security of our residents from our children to our seniors to everyone in between." Discussing her priorities as sheriff, Guadagno said she would concentrate on "revenue-generating activities that will help to control the large costs of overtime in the department." She also emphasized the need for fiscal restraint and community activities. Commenting on programs already in place, Guadagno said she is supportive of expansion of the provisional driver's license program for young drivers and seniors. "I think that better outreach is needed, and that the program should also be expanded to include an emphasis on teenage drivers," she said, referencing the recent fatal accidents in Jackson, Freehold and Neptune townships involving teenagers. "Clearly, there are problems," she said. She would also like to improve the 911 program by "making it mandatory for kids to know how to dial 911 by age 7," she said, adding, "This doesn't cost anything and will save lives." Guadagno is also supportive of the Citizens' Advisory Board established by Oxley, and feels "It's a great way to promote the county." Her campaign strategy will include seeking the endorsements of the law enforcement community. "I am trying to get endorsements on federal, state and local levels from law enforcement organizations," she said. Commenting on the new, and somewhat controversial GOP screening process for candidates, Guadagno said, "The concept is a great idea, but it is also a work in progress. The process obviously worked at the convention, since all the candidates presented were of tremendous quality."