Prosecutor: Gangs a county, state problem Says redevelopment contributes to gang presence BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      Fifty street gangs are active in Monmouth County, according to the county's top law enforcement official. More ...      Carl Hartman, Dumont, casts his fishing line during the first Long Branch Surf Fishing Challenge Oct. 14. More ... IJ: Taking of homes not on the table Residents ask council to reconsider plans in slow realty market BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      In a show of good-faith negotiations, Long Branch officials sat down with attorneys for homeowners in one of the city's redevelopment zones last week, but talks didn't include the option of condemning the properties. More ... Eatontown Council Candidates Incumbent, three newcomers vie for two council seats      All six seats on the Eatontown Borough Council and the mayor's office are now held by Democrats. Two three-year council seats and the mayor's office, a four-year position, are now up for election. If the GOP were to win one or both council seats, the Democrats would still hold a majority. One Democr More ... Charles E. DaVis Bernard Street      Democrat As a state employee, Councilman Charles E. DaVis says he is reimbursed for mileage, but is prohibited from taking his work vehicle home. More ... Joseph Aretino Broad Street      Republican Because he knows Fort Monmouth inside and out, Eatontown Borough Council candidate Joseph Aretino believes he can contribute ideas to the reuse plan for the closing U.S. Army base. More ... Joseph Questore Grant Avenue      Democrat Councilman Joseph Questore believes residents ought to be able to conduct business at borough hall without leaving home. More ... Tarantolo would tie up loose ends in third term Gerald J. Tarantolo Grant Avenue      Democrat As he campaigns door to door for a third consecutive term, Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo said he hears the same plea from Eatontown residents. More ... Gaetano: Tackle taxes by cutting spending BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      Republican mayoral candidate Anthony "Bubba" Gaetano says he has seen one too many "For Sale" signs prominently displayed on the lawns of homes in Eatontown. More ... Judge's ruling due in MU building appeal Objectors in case heard Sept. 18 say zoners violated master plan BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      WEST LONG BRANCH - By the end of this month, the fate of Monmouth University's plans to add more facilities to its campus will likely be decided by a state Superior Court judge. More ...      Monmouth University student Mia Schwerin, Ocean Township, prepares a tombstone for restoration in the graveyard at Christ Church Episcopal in Shrewsbury during the university's fifth annual student community service day, "The Big Event," Oct. 14. More ... Cioffi: Bring pride back to WLB      WEST LONG BRANCH - Borough Council candidate Steven Cioffi says he hopes that someday soon the town's residents will be glad to tell others where they live. More ... Lavene named to head airport fire department      Eatontown native Charles M. Lavene has been named chief of the fire department at Norfolk (Va.) International Airport. More ... Jobs training program proposed BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH - Community members and residents gathered on the oceanfront Monday to show support for a proposed apprenticeship program for the city's youth. More ...