Matawan to Begin Interviewing Candidates for Borough Administrator Position Next Week

The Matawan Borough Council will begin interviewing candidates for borough administrator next week, according to Councilwoman Donna Gould. 

The previous borough administrator, Barbara Bascom, left her part-time position on July 1, according to Mayor Paul Buccellato. Her contract would have expired at the end of 2012.

In the absence of the borough administrator, the mayor fills the role until a new person is hired. 

Matawan Local PBA#179 President Andrew Marsala spoke at the council meeting Tuesday night, encouraging the council to move forward with hiring someone to run the borough.

"We as a PBA urge you to hire a qualified full-time borough administrator as soon as possible. We applaud you, Mr. Mayor, for your dedication in serving as both mayor and borough administrator. However, the vacancy is now going into its sixth month and causes delays when dealing with day to day operations of the borough," Marsala said.

"All the department heads need a full time point of contact that can deal with and resolve matters pertaining to purchasing, personnel, discipline, and finance," he continued.

According to Gould, twenty-seven people submitted applications for the borough administrator position. Of that amount, fourteen candidates will be interviewed between Nov. 28 and Nov. 30.

"Superstorm Sandy delayed the process quite a bit," she said.

Gould explained that the borough is looking for somebody who can work with all departments and employees, understands the grant application process and knows what to do in the case of a natural disaster like Sandy.

"I think [we're looking for] a candidate that knows how to grow a borough, and instead of problems he finds solutions," she said.

The council will decide at a later date whether or not the position is full-time or part-time, Buccellato explained.

"That will be a financial decision we'll have to make. I think what the governmening body would like to do is employ someone on a full-time basis," he said.

Gould was confidant that the council would find a good fit for the borough.

"There are very good applicants out there and they are very enthused," she said. "We're looking forward to meeting with them."