Toms River Republican Mayoral Debate On As Scheduled

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River Republican voters will be able to tune in and listen to Republican candidates for mayor Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m.

The debate is on as scheduled, not withstanding claims to the contrary by another news outlet.

Incumbent Mayor Maurice "Mo" Hill, the candidate for the Republican Club of Toms River; Geraldine "Geri" Ambrosio, of the Toms River Republican Club; Councilman Daniel Rodrick, running under the Save Toms River motto, and Robert Bianchini, who is running without a club supporting him, all have been invited to participate in the debate, which is being hosted and livestreamed by Hudson News Media.

"I have not canceled the debate," said Pat O'Melia, president of Hudson Media Group.

The livestream will be available on the Hudson Media Group's YouTube channel and on Vimeo on the company's website.

Rodrick, in a text message to Patch Thursday morning, said he will not be attending the debate. He said he was told Hill would not be attending the debate because of a fundraiser being held for Hill Thursday night.

"Given that Mayor Hill will not be at the debate, I will not be going either," Rodrick said Thursday morning. "The people of Toms River want to see a debate between the frontrunners."

Art Gallagher, Hill's campaign manager, said Hill will be in attendance at the debate Thursday night.

"He decided yesterday (Wednesday) that he will be at the debate," Gallagher said.

A text message to Rodrick stating Hill's confirmed attendance at the debate was not immediately answered Thursday afternoon.