Middletown Woman Running For Monmouth County Surrogate

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Republican Maureen T. Raisch of Middletown has announced her candidacy for Monmouth County Surrogate. It is unknown if she will face any Democratic challengers.

Raisch intends to seek the endorsement of the Monmouth County Republican Committee at its upcoming nominating convention later this March.

What does surrogate do exactly?

Their primary job is to probate wills and appointing administrators of estates for residents of Monmouth County. Other responsibilities include reviewing and filing actions regarding contested estates, adoptions, appointments of guardian for minors and incapacitated person and to maintain trust funds for minors. The Surrogate is a constitutional officer who is elected, serves as Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate part and as Judge of the Surrogate Court.

Raisch is a Middletown familiar face: For the past 20 years, she's worked for the Twp. as assistant to the Middletown mayor and acted in the capacity of chief of staff to the mayor and Middletown Township Committee. Middletown is the largest town in Monmouth County.

In that position, she assisted 10 different mayors with constituent service and government operations and has helped thousands of residents navigate the Township’s policies and ordinances, particularly on the impact of ordinances, land use planning, recycling, environmental issues and more.

Raisch has also been involved in many volunteer committees, including the Middletown Disaster Relief Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), raising and distributing $1 million to families devastated by Superstorm Sandy. She also served both as a board member and president on Lincroft Senior Citizen Housing Corporation overseeing and coordinating the completion of a multimillion-dollar 60-unit senior housing building while upgrading and modernizing a sister facility of 180-unit apartments for seniors.

After the untimely passing of her beloved husband, Clifford, Raisch wanted to help others in coping with the loss of loved ones. Four years ago she became involved with Stephy’s Place, a support center for grief and loss located in Red Bank. She joined a support group and was called to enter training to help others through grief. Today she serves as a grief and bereavement facilitator for members of the community.

“I am excited to seek the support of the Monmouth Republican Organization to run as the Republican choice for County Surrogate,” said Raisch. “I empathize with people who have suffered a loss and understand what their needs are. My personal experiences will help guide me in this position.”

“Rosemarie Peters has done a tremendous job as County Surrogate over many years,” Raisch continued. “She was a role model to all of us in the way she conducted the Surrogate’s Office through public outreach as well as her compassionate and competent service to those who are going through difficult times.”

Raisch has been endorsed by such local Republicans as now-retired state Senator Joe Kyrillos, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, Former Mayor Tony Fiore and Middletown Republican Committee Chairman Peter Carton.

“As a leader at work, on volunteer committees, and as a grief support group facilitator, I believe I am equipped to manage the Surrogate’s Office treating each person with dignity, empathy, and professionalism,” said Raisch.