By Maria Prato, Staff Writer
CRANBURY Township Attorney Trishka Waterbuy has resigned because state land use law does not allow lawyers from the same firm to represent the township and municipal planning boards.
Ms. Waterbury has been township attorney since 2003, but had to resign when Planning Board Attorney Valerie Kimson joined Mason, Griffin & Pierson, the Princeton-based firm at which Ms. Waterbury also works.
Mason, Griffin & Pierson elected to have Ms. Kimson remain at the Planning Board.
”It’s been a real honor and privilege representing the township,” Ms. Waterbury said. “It was a great opportunity, and in that sense, I’m sad to be stepping down. The staff has just been a pleasure to work with, and the elected officials have always been great.”
The Township Committee announced the resignation Monday.
”I’m glad our firm is going to remain involved in Cranbury,” Ms. Waterbury said. “I hope we remain involved in the township one way or another. It’s just a great community to work with.”
The township already has begun seeking a replacement. Ms. Waterbury sent her notice of resignation June 17.
Each member of the Township Committee will recommend a few attorneys, said Township Administrator Christine Smeltzer.
They then will cull the list and begin interviewing candidates, Ms. Smeltzer said. They hope to have an interim attorney in place by August, she said.
The township will not appoint a permanent replacement until after the November elections so new committee members can weigh in on the decision.
Ms. Waterbury is planning on completing unfinished projects before her resignation date, Ms. Smeltzer said.
”We’re sorry to have Trishka go,” she said. “She was very competent, a good listener, and she could always anticipate things that would happen, which is good for any attorney.”
Ms. Waterbury’s last official day as township attorney is July 19, the same day Ms. Kimson starts at Mason, Griffin & Pierson.
