Vote due on curbing control of jobs - Asbury Park Press, 12/21/08:

Republicans say the new code can revamp the county's so-called spoils system, which historically has allowed the controlling political party to hand out government jobs to campaign supporters.

Democrats have questioned the motives for launching the initiative and say it's interfering with their transition plans.

At stake are approximately three-dozen patronage positions reserved for department heads and directors. Except for those with multiyear appointments, the current holders of those well-paying jobs have uncertain immediate futures, and Republican Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said she is unable to assure employees that they won't be replaced by Democratic loyalists in the new year.

Even my husband is disgusted by this.