Ferrante more qualified than Chiusano for county surrogate

In Sussex County politics, it's not what you know, it's who you know. In February, Assemblyman Gary Chiusano was appointed to replace retired Sussex County Surrogate Nancy Fitzgibbons. Mr. Chiusano holds the position temporarily until the voters choose a new county surrogate.

Mr. Chiusano and Alicia Ferrante are competing for the Republican Party nomination on June 4. Ms. Ferrante is infinitely more qualified than Mr. Chiusano. She has practiced law in Sussex County for the past 16 years and much of her practice centers around exactly what a surrogate does (guardianship, adoption, and estate matters). Her experience in these matters will greatly help the people of Sussex County as the judge of the Surrogate Court. Given a choice, doesn�t it make sense to have someone with a legal background serve in this position?

Mr. Chiusano is a career political opportunist without legal experience. He has migrated through political jobs - committeeman, mayor, freeholder, assemblyman and now surrogate - usually not finishing his term but always increasing his salary.

Mr. Chiusano, and the party machine propping him up, think he is entitled to this position. They view Ms. Ferrante as an inconvenience because they believe they know best who is�entitled�to be the surrogate.

Fortunately for the people of Sussex County, we have a choice. Please join me in voting for Alicia Ferrante for Sussex County Surrogate on June 4. Ms. Ferrante is compassionate, experienced and qualified - the perfect choice.

Jim Caragher
Lafayette