Ocean County grants domestic partner benefits

by: Juan Melli

Wed Jan 25, 2006 at 10:00:33 PM EST

As expected, the Ocean County freeholders today unanimously voted to grant pension benefits to Laurel Hester. The vote was 4-0, with freeholder Kelly absent.

Against the recommendations of her doctor, Laurel showed up with her partner Stacie to thank the freeholders. Due to her deteriorating health, she had to arrive in her wheelchair, with an oxygen tether, surgical gloves and mask.

When she arrived, the 80 supporters in the room greeted her with cheers. After the vote, Laurel thanked the freeholders and said that it "was democracy at its best."

Email the freeholders at CountyConnection@co.ocean.nj.us to thank them for doing the right thing.