BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
William Santos JACKSON – William Santos, who came on board when a new form of government came into being in Jackson midway through 2006, will be leaving his position as township administrator.
In a letter to Mayor Mark Seda, Santos said he will be leaving the township’s employ effective July 1. He said he was offered a new position that was more suitable at this time in his life, but did not mention what that position was.
In his May 4 letter to Seda, Santos wrote, “I would like to take this opportunity to extend to you my sincere appreciation for granting me the honor of serving in your administration as township admin-istrator. It has been a great experience working side by side with you to make Jack-son a better place to live and work.”
Santos worked for 10 months under Seda’s leadership and said Jackson has been able to “turn the corner” on many issues including, but not limited to finance, recreation, a property revaluation, affordable housing and the complete restructuring and reorganization of the municipal government.
Santos offered to be of assistance during the transition to a new administrator.
“It’s truly a shame to see him go,” Seda said. “He’s probably one of the best or the best administrator I’ve ever met. We go back a long way and have had a longtime friendship, and it has been a great experience to have worked with him.”
Seda said he learned a lot from Santos and said he hates to see him leave.
“Each person has his own path in life and unfortunately that path may move on from the joint path that we presently share,” the mayor said. “His leaving makes it difficult for me. It will be very hard to replace him.
“On the finance side we share a lot of the same philosophies,” Seda said. “He is very good at what he does, putting a budget together and holding people accountable for the line items.”
Seda said the township has advertised the position and has received some interest from potential candidates.
Township Council President Angelo Stallone said he was sorry to see Santos leave.
“We all tried to talk him out of it, but this was an opportunity that would be hard for him not to take. I can’t fault him for that,” Stallone said. “It’s going to be hard to replace him. You can always find an administrator, but to find someone who is as knowledgeable as he is will not be easy. I wish him well and I hope he will be around if we need him.”
Councilwoman Emily Ingram said, “I feel that he is the foundation and the backbone. He’s been such a great asset for the mayor in preparing the budgets and answering questions. He is a professional and I wish him the best of luck.”
Councilman Jason Gudaitis said he was upset when he learned that Santos will be leaving town hall.
“If you work with him you know how irreplaceable he is,” Gudaitis said. “His knowledge of the township. His work ethic. I go in to pick up my mail on weekends and many times he’s there working in his office on a Saturday or a Sunday. It won’t be easy to fill his shoes. This is my first time in politics, and I couldn’t ask for a better person to show me the ropes. He’s been a resident for many years and knows the town better than anybody.”