By lynn K. Barra
Staff Writer
HOWELL — He did the job so well, it’s now his permanently.
At the Sept. 9 meeting of the Township Council, officials voted 4-1 and took the "interim" out of Bruce Davis’ title, appointing him township manager. Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker voted no.
August marked one year that Davis had served as interim manager. He received that appointment after the council fired the former manager, Jacqueline Ascione. Davis has been Howell’s municipal clerk for almost 24 years.
Davis is the seventh person to fill the position of manager since Howell switched to a strong manager form of government in 1994.
Since that time Howell had, in the words of Councilman Fritz Kirchhof, "gotten a reputation for revolving doors when it came to managers."
Mayor Timothy J. Konopka told Greater Media Newspapers, "You know, sometimes you have a treasure right there in front of you, and you don’t even know it."
Speaking a few weeks before Davis’ permanent appointment, Konopka characterized Davis as an "articulate, intelligent and effective manager."
Of his performance of the duties of manager, the mayor said the past year had been a "test" and that Davis "passed it with flying colors."
Said Konopka after the Sept. 9 vote: "His (Davis’) appointment was well-deserved. He’s the right man for the job. We have the utmost confidence, respect and admiration for the man."
Konopka said that along with Davis’ talents for managing the town and its employees, the new manager had innovative ideas.
Konopka said when the council turned its attention to expanding township recreation, Davis was the person who had come up with the idea for Howell’s walking trails and three regional kiddie parks.
"This is what he brings to the table. You see, we can come up with all these wonderful ideas and pieces of legislation but you need competent people to execute the direction and will of the mayor and governing body," the mayor said.
Konopka said Davis was the one who, when he became aware of a state report that found Howell short the number of police officers it needed for its present population, made the council aware of the report and the need to add the 10 new police officers the governing body hired this year.
Konopka said Davis has been effective because "he works very well and commands the respect of every member of the governing body, even the one who voted against him."
In voting against Davis’ appointment, Schomaker said, "Bruce does a fine job, but a town of 50,000 people needs a full-time clerk and a full-time manager, and that is why I am voting no."
Konopka said Davis was "able to wear two hats well." He said Davis is "a good delegator who has a great support group."
"There is nobody that knows the town better than he. He brings all that experience and he knows the major players. As far as the employees, he commands their respect as well,because he’s fair, but firm when he needs to be firm. He is a gentleman who conveys what needs to be done in a proper manner, and so the work gets done. Previous administrations relied on him. We’re in great shape," the mayor said.
Prior to the Sept. 9 vote, Kirchhof said he thought Davis was effective in the manager’s position because he has been municipal clerk for so long and "knows the town and the people in it."
Pettignano said he was "all for making the position Davis’ permanently.
"He (Davis) knows the job and the department heads love him. He’s the right man for the job," Pettignano said.
Speaking after his appointment was official, Davis said, "It feels good."
"I appreciate the trust and confidence the governing body have shown me with this permanent appointment. I truly enjoy what I am doing, and the fact that I can continue to do it is very rewarding to me. I will just do my job," he said.
Davis, who is paid $75,000 in his position as township clerk, will receive a salary increase of $49,000 for his position as manager.
Ascione, the last person to hold the manager’s position, was being paid an annual salary of $90,000.
In keeping Davis in the manager’s position, the township saves in not having to extend health insurance and employment benefits to an additional employee.