Reconnecting at the County Connection

It’s not the bricks and mortar that have made the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall the success it is, it’s the staff that works there, says Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the storefront known to connect residents with all levels of government and beyond. Kelly joined with his colleagues on the Board on Feb. 7 in cutting a ceremonial red ribbon marking the completion of upgrades to the County Connection located near JC Penney. The County Connection has had a presence at the Ocean County Mall for 23 years, first located by the Sears store and later moving to its current location. The most popular services at the County Connection include passport services, veterans IDs, and notaries. It also draws from all County government departments providing senior services, veterans’ services, services from the Ocean County Clerk, the Parks and Recreation Department and many more. Kelly said if someone’s question doesn’t pertain to County government, the staff will work to get an answer. Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea, who served as master of ceremonies for the ribbon cutting said “the compassion, hard work and dedication you see, doesn’t happen because of the bricks and mortar, it happens because of the staff that is here. With the staunch support of Commissioner Kelly and led by Leyla Wade, the Division Director of the County Connection, everyone here goes above and beyond.”