HIGHTSTOWN: Borough clerk done

By Doug Carman, Staff Writer
   HIGHTSTOWN — Herbert Massa left his part-time position as the borough’s administrator Wednesday, leaving Mayor Steve Kirson to act as the interim administrator until the borough hires a new one, Borough Clerk Debra Sopronyi confirmed Thursday.
   The former borough administrator, who held the position for only 15 months, announced that he was resigning in early March after he began working as a business administrator for the West Long Branch Public School District. Mr. Massa, of Howell, previously worked as a business administrator and assistant superintendent with the Howell Township Public School District for 28 years before working in Hightstown.
   Though the 30-day notice indicated that April 7 would be his last day, Mr. Massa had vacation time remaining at the time of his resignation.
   Reached Thursday, Mr. Massa said he felt it was an excellent experience and he had a lot accomplished in his short time there, especially concerning the budget.
   ”The residents should be in a position to enjoy stable taxes for the next three to four years,” Mr. Massa said. “I have to say, if you look around, there’s a lot of other municipalities whose taxes are still going up. We’re not.”
   Mayor Kirson did not respond to calls seeking comment this week. Previously, he told the Herald that the borough was accepting applications for borough administrator through Thursday.