For Immediate Release:
August 27, 2009
Andrea I. Bazer to head county’s legal department
She replaces longtime counsel Malcolm V. Carton in top post
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has named Andrea I. Bazer to serve as the new county counsel. Bazer replaces long-time county counsel Malcolm V. Carton. Carton will stay on as a special counsel in a transitional role until the end of this year.
The change reflects more than just leadership at the top. The county counsel position carries the same three-year term, but for the first time the position will be in-house as a fulltime county employee. Mr. Carton served as county counsel since 1982.
“I am delighted to bring Andrea Bazer on fulltime as our county counsel,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Throughout her legal career, she has maintained the highest professional standard and has represented the people and interests of Monmouth county very well. I am confident she will meet the high expectations established over the years by Mr. Carton.
The decision also represents a shift from three years ago, when the Board of Chosen Freeholders studied switching to an in-house counsel, but decided against it at the time.
“That study overlooked a major benefit of having in-house counsel on a fulltime basis – namely, the ability to obtain quick responses to legal questions and immediate attention during a legal crisis,” Freeholder Deputy Director John D’Amico said. “The expectation is that with the creation of the new fulltime, in-house position of county counsel, the county will save a substantial amount of money.”
Bazer has considerable county experience. During much of her legal career she attended to county business working with another assistant counsel. In 2006, the freeholders appointed her assistant county counsel on her own, and she has represented the County Clerk, the Sheriff, Surrogate, the Board of Health, the Construction Board of Appeals and the Monmouth County Park System.
“Andrea Bazer has earned this position through hard work and her dedication to what is best for Monmouth County,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “Mr. Carton has performed very well these last 27 years, and I am pleased to be able to thank him for his service and also welcome Ms. Bazer aboard.”
The freeholders foresee bringing the county counsel’s office in-house as a way of reducing expenses in the legal department.
“Not only will Ms. Bazer serve as an administrator overseeing the assistant county counsels, but she will continue to represent a number of county agencies herself,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “That will provide greater efficiencies and I think we can expect to see a decline in the overall cost of the county’s legal department next year when compared to this year.”
“Andrea Bazer has proven herself a very capable lawyer when it comes to handling county business,” Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. “I am very pleased to welcome her aboard. Having the county counsel working in-house will be a big savings for the county.”
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