New Township Manager Search Nearing Conclusion

The South Brunswick Township Council is closing in on naming a new Township Manager, following the for the position of City Manager of Clifton in July. Mayor Frank Gambatese said the search has been narrowed down to two candidates, and a final decision could come as soon as Sept. 5.

"We've had interviews with six people and we're close to the end," Gambatese said. "In examining the ordinance, there were certain conditions waived with Matt Watkins, such as the residency requirement, and we don't want to do that unless we find somebody who is just super. We have come to the belief that it's crucial that the manager resides in South Brunswick, or at least around the town. It's difficult for people who live an hour away to understand the issues in town."

Watkins served as manager for a total of about 12 years in two separate stints, and left with a yearly salary of $158,008, according to Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz.

South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka is serving as acting Township Manager until Watkins' replacement is found. Township Chief Financial Officer Joseph Monzo had been serving as acting manager, but has since put his name in for consideration for the manager's position.

"We just felt at this point, once (Monzo) put his name in, it became a problem with him serving as acting manager without the appearance of self-interest," Gambatese said. "He's a terrific CFO and we love the work he does.

"We felt Chief Hayducka has the most experience being in charge of a large number of people, and we thought at this point we want to have somebody who understands being a director with a large number of employees working for him."

The next meeting of the Township Council is set for Sept. 6, at which point the new manager could be finalized.