S.B.’s Watkins to retire Aug. 5

Served as township manager on and off since 1999

BY DEANNAMcLAFFERTY Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Township Manager Matthew Watkins announced his resignation at the town council work session July 12.

In August Watkins will become city manager in Clifton, Passaic County, after working as township manager for two separate periods since 1999. From 2002 to 2003, he worked for the state’s Community Affairs Department.

Councilman Charlie Carley attributes much of the town’s progress in the last 12 years to Watkins’ dedication.

“Councilmen say, ‘I did this’ and ‘I did that,’ ” Carley said. “Well, they vote or find the money to do things, but when the work needed to get done, and the shovel needed to be put in the ground, that’s where [Watkins] came in.”

Carley listed the improvements to Route 522 and Route 1, the fixing of portable water systems and sewer systems, and the attainment of thousands of acres of municipal open space as evidence of Watkins’ contribution to the township.

Mayor Frank Gambatese said he was surprised to hear Watkins’ decision to leave but said it was not unusual, since managers often move on to larger towns with larger challenges for more money.

“Clifton is twice the size of our town, so the problems are much greater,” Gambatese said. “The biggest problem we have now is finding a replacement quickly.”

The Clerk’s Office is accepting résumés from prospective applicants until July 31. The town is looking externally for a replacement, but the mayor said he will also talk to qualified township officials who express interest in the job.

The work session was Watkins’ last, and he expressed gratitude to the public as well as the council for their years of support.

“We accomplished a great deal and it has been a great honor to serve this community, but it’s time for me to move on,” he said.

Carley said the new hire will need municipal experience, the requisite interpersonal skills to work with department heads, a good temperament and the know-how to balance demands during tight economic times.

Gambatese thinks there will be an adjustment period for the future manager, but believes new blood could rejuvenate town proceedings.

“Anytime you get a new manager, they bring in a new personality and a new style,” he said. “It will be a learning experience for everyone, but sometimes a fresh new approach is a good thing.”

Watkins’ last day is Aug. 5. Contact Deanna McLafferty at

[email protected].