STEPHEN DICHT FOR SURROGATE

                                             OF ATLANTIC COUNTY

Earlier today Atlantic County Surrogate Jim Curcio issued an uninformed and irresponsible statement in which he called to “Reopen New Jersey immediately without restrictions.” His comments were met swiftly and angrily by Governor Phil Murphy who called Curcio “irresponsible.” He went on to say this is not the time for “irresponsible leadership.” Murphy pointed out that 19 people have died in Atlantic County from Covid-19 and this is not the time to ease up.

As a Democratic Party candidate opposing Mr. Curcio I wholehearted agree with Governor Murphy. This discussion is not within any scope or boundary, real or imaginary of the Surrogate’s Office. Mr. Curcio is not only irresponsible he is not qualified in any way to comment on when Atlantic County or any location should be opened up. This decision must be left to the experts and those elected officials who have been dealing with this day and night for the past 6 weeks. Unless Mr. Curcio has some inside information or special insight, he needs to do and act like the rest of us and keep quiet. If his intent is to sow the seeds of public discord, he should not do so in his very public position.

I do not know one induvial who is happy with the status quo. But, to follow the lead of Mr. Curcio and open it up, without restrictions risks a catastrophe far greater than what we have experienced to date. As far as the Office of Surrogate is concerned, this topic should be off limits. I call upon Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson to repudiate the statements of Mr. Curcio. Likewise, I call upon each and every member of the Atlantic County Freeholder Board to do the same. Failure to do so will serve as tacit approval of the outlandish proposal by Mr. Curcio.

Stephen P. Dicht, Esq.