LACEY – The Laureigh name has been a fixture on the dais at local government meetings for over three decades – but one without voting power. That changed when Veronica Laureigh, long-standing township administrator, stepped up to do something only a sister could make extra special. Everyone was all smiles as Veronica administered the oath of office to her brother, Bob Laureigh, as Lacey’s newly elected committee member.
The Laureigh family has deep roots in Lacey, having lived in the community since 1938. Bob, 68, is the eldest of five siblings, while Veronica, 57, is the middle child. Their late father, also named Bob, worked as a school bus driver for 29 years, back when the town had only two buses.
“I know he is looking down upon us with a huge, proud smile,” Bob said. “Not only seeing me sit here but knowing I’m sitting with my little sister.”
Veronica has served the township in various roles since 1983, starting in the recreation department before ultimately becoming the municipal clerk in 1992 and adding the dual capacity as township administrator in 2009. Last year, Amy Shelton took on the municipal clerk role, leaving Veronica’s focus solely on running Lacey’s day-to-day operations as administrator.
Bob’s election to the committee comes after years of unpaid public service, including time on the Planning Board and the Lacey Township School Board. He’s also served on both the Ocean County Board of Social Services and the Ocean County Board of Health.
As a committee member, Bob acknowledged he’ll receive a modest salary that equates to $192.30 weekly. However, his motivation to serve the community appears priceless – Bob deeply loves Lacey. As a committeeman, he plans to focus on land use, taxes, and traffic.
“Land use is a challenge with state mandates that often override local preferences,” Bob explained. “Traffic is a headache we all live with, especially on Route 9. And taxes? Stabilizing them is a top priority. I know how hard this committee works to keep taxes in check while residents demand more.”
Bob pointed out that many taxpayers are unaware that only about 20 percent of their property tax bills go toward local government services, such as police salaries, equipment, and twice-weekly garbage collection. He expressed concern that school taxes comprise approximately sixty percent of the total tax bill. As the new liaison to the local school board, Bob hopes to bring his experience and knowledge to help address these challenges. In addition to his new role, he will continue serving on the Planning Board.
As a newcomer to the committee, Bob acknowledged the learning curve of navigating government processes. Veronica noted that transitioning from speaking as a resident to making decisions as a committee member comes with challenges. “There’s a lot of red tape,” she explained. “You can say what you want from the floor, but it’s different once you’re up here. Not just locally, but there’s county, state, and federal hurdles as well.”
The siblings admitted they may not always see eye-to-eye on township matters, but both emphasized professionalism and collaboration. Bob stressed the importance of advocating for issues behind the scenes rather than engaging in public disagreements.
In his first committee meeting, Bob proposed moving the start time from 6 p.m. to later in the evening to increase public attendance. His suggestion was overruled, a decision he accepted with grace.
“I can fight my fight, argue my argument,” said Bob. “There are winners, there’s losers. You move on, because if you don’t, you’re like the federal government, nothing gets done.”
New Mayor
While Bob’s swearing-in was a family affair, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, currently running in the Republican primary for Governor, administered the oaths to Tim McDonald, reelected as committeeman, and Peter Curatolo as mayor. Ciattarelli’s presence underscored his growing support in Lacey, where committee members have endorsed his candidacy.
Curatolo, who previously served as mayor in 2017 and 2021, outlined his priorities for the year. He emphasized supporting veterans, attracting tourism dollars, and focusing on affordability for Lacey residents.
“Every day, thousands of cars zoom by Exit 74 on the Parkway without stopping, “Curatolo said. “They’re on their way down to Atlantic City. They’re on their way up to spend on tourism up at Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant around Long Beach Island. I want some of those people to get off over here at exit 74. Our businesses deserve it. Our residents deserve it.”
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Curatolo shared a heartfelt perspective. “My mom had four kids. She was divorced and didn’t have much money at all,” he said. “When I make decisions up here, I’m thinking about that single mom with four kids and her not being able to afford something at a grocery store.”
“I’m moving forward here with strength and passion, with morality, dignity and knowledge,” Curatolo added. “We’re going to be doing this together, standing shoulder to shoulder.”
