Bob Barr's Nomination to Pinelands Commission in Limbo Again

The nomination of Ocean City’s Robert Barr to the Pinelands Commission as a public member has been delayed for a second time, the Ocean City Gazette reports.

The State Senate Judiciary announced it would not consider the appointment just before a hearing on Gov. Chris Christie’s other appointments on Monday, according to the report.

The Gazette reported no reason was given for the delay. Environmental activist Bill Wolfe claims on his website, wolfenotes.com, that he was told the committee lacked the votes needed to appoint Barr.

It is the second time in three months Barr’s nomination was left up in the air.

Barr, of Ocean City, and New Hanover Township Mayor Dennis Roohr were questioned by legislators during a two-hour hearing in October, but didn’t receive an up or down vote, according to nj.com.

Barr and Roohr were nominated to replace Robert Jackson and D’Arcy Rohan Green, who voted against a controversial proposal to allow South Jersey Gas to build a 22-mile gas pipleline through the region, according to the report.

Christie has been accused of attempting to pack the Pinelands Commission with people who support the proposed project.

The two were initially nominated in May of last year.

Barr was nominated for a second time on Jan. 16. Roohr was not nominated for a second time.

During the hearing in October, Barr and Roohr claimed they weren’t familiar with the project or the controversy. Barr claimed he intentionally avoided reading about the Pinelands Commission’s controversies to avoid joining the commission with any preconceived notions. He also said he was not a guaranteed “yes” vote for Christie, according to the report.

Barr is an aide to State Sen. Jeff Van Drew, a supporter of the proposal, according to The Press of Atlantic City. Van Drew endorsed the nomination of Barr.

Barr is the president of the Ocean City Democratic Club and president of the Ocean City Community Association.

He grew up in Ocean City, graduating from Ocean City High School in 1999. He graduated from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2004 with a degree in communications.

He also serves on the Ocean City Utility Advisory Commission and is a member of the board of Directors for the Ocean City Exchange Club.

The attached image of Bob Barr was previously provided.