MANCHESTER, NJ – Rory Wells of Manchester, attorney and candidate for Ocean County Commissioner, released this statement on our national holiday honoring minister, and slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.

“Ocean County is a diverse county representing many different people and groups.  From our rural towns to our heavily populated neighborhoods, from the Pinelands to our beaches, we are a true cross section of our state and our nation.  As we move through these difficult times into a brighter tomorrow, I would challenge all of us to reflect on the principles of non-violence and racial equality championed by Martin Luther King Jr.  I believe a brighter tomorrow is still possible.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”  I believe this to be true, and while we are better than we used to be, we are still not where we want to be.  When I am elected County Commissioner, I believe I will be part of our success going forward.

In 1983, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law as a federal holiday by President Ronald Reagan; it was first celebrated in 1986.  It was celebrated in all 50 states in 2000.  I would encourage anyone looking for more information on the history of Martin Luther King Jr. to visit our nationally recognized, award winning, Ocean County Library system for books, videos, research and other materials.”