Officials - See

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received credit for transforming the department from a small county agency to the leading consumer affairs office in the state. “He has worked closely with local police departments, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the State Attorney General on numerous anti-fraud initiatives,” Gunther read. “And worked with the Ocean County Office of Senior Services to protect the county’s 200,000 older adults.” Scaturro’s role in Consumer Affairs included what was referred to as “tireless work” to protect the economy in Ocean County. He divided his focus between mom-and-pop businesses and recognized the importance of tourism in helping seasonal companies prosper. A member of the state motor vehicle commission, Scaturro previously served as the vice president of the New Jersey County and Municipal Affairs agencies. Scaturro continues as the Vice President of the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Board of Education. “Steve showed great leadership and served as an example not only for residents of Ocean County as consumers,” said Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari. “But also, for helping small businesses.” According to Vicari, New Jersey’s attorney general recognized Scaturro for changing how Consumer Affairs agencies operate and used Ocean County as a model. Each of the Ocean County Commissioners took time to express gratitude to Scaturro for his service and wish him well on his retirement. Scaturro returned the thanks with some short remarks and recalled the department’s role in the worst of times, including Superstorm Sandy and the pandemic. “Last year, we have over 9,000 cases that were processed through Consumer Affairs,” Scaturro said. “Consumer Affairs is a department where we have weights and measures. In the very beginning, we had constriction inspections, where we were responsible for every township in the county.” Scaturro called out several people by name, ending with the people closest to his heart. In thanking his family for their support, Scaturro revealed that he and his wife Ruthanne have six children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren on the way. Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John “Jack” Kelly shared some of the history that began Carl Block’s service to Ocean County 35 years ago. “Carl was appointed first as the Ocean County Deputy Clerk in 1987,” said Kelly. “Then in 2003, and again in 2008, Carl was elected as the County Clerk.” In 2010, Kelly and then-Freeholder John Bartlett met with Block to ask him to consider leaving his elected position to take on the role of Ocean County Administrator. Block initially expressed his misgivings and ultimately took on what Kelly described as the “most powerful position in county government.” “As our administrator, Carl oversaw numerous projects, including the construction of a new county jail,” Kelly shared. “Many new parks, upgrading the county’s technology department, and most recently working on the new social services building and now the new courthouse annex.” According to Kelly, Block worked closely with Julie Tarrant, Chief Financial Officer, on budgetary concerns that impact county tax rates. “Carl truly excelled during Superstorm Sandy when he led our professional staff in dealing with the aftermath of the county’s worst disaster,” said Kelly. “He helped provide relief to all of our 33 communities, but especially to the shore towns, which were most impacted by the devastating storm.” Kelly also credited Block for his work during the COVID epidemic as county officials collaborated with the Board of Health to set up vaccination

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─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Stephen Scaturro stands with his family and Ocean County Commissioners holding a proclamation honoring him on his retirement as Ocean County’s Director of Consumer Affairs.