Children participate in a robotics workshop at the Metuchen Public Library on July 28. One of the library’s many Young Adult Programs this summer, the session allowed participants to learn the language of robots and teach them commands. ERIC SUCAR staff I n a unanimous vote last week, the Edison Township Council approved the appointment of a new business administrator.
Maureen Ruane took over the position on Aug. 1 at an annual salary of $110,000, the lowest amount in the salary range permitted. A township ordinance allows a range of $110,000 to $135,000 for the position.
“I’m excited,” Ruane said with a smile after the council meeting on July 27.
Ruane comes to Edison from Caldwell, Essex County, where she worked as borough administrator and municipal clerk. She received her certificates from Essex County College and Rutgers University.
MayorAntonia Ricigliano said the township had 26 applicants for the position.
“We narrowed the list to eight candidates and conducted interviews, and then we narrowed it down to the top three candidates,” she said.
The Township Council had the opportunity to interview the three candidates, Ricigliano said.
Councilwoman Melissa Perilstein abstained from the vote because she said she was unable to take part in the candidate interviews.
“My vote in no way reflects my opinion of the candidate,” she said. “My schedule just didn’t allow me to [participate] in the interview. I have only been hearing good things and I wish [Ruane] the best in her new position.” Council President Robert Diehl said he was in favor of Ruane’s appointment; however, he said he was disappointed that the council was not given the chance to be more involved with the hiring process.
“We only met with the three candidates … we weren’t asked one time for any input,” he said .
Ruane comes to Edison in thewake of several controversial actions and a great deal of between the Edison Township Council and Ricigliano’s administration. In April, Ricigliano fired township BusinessAdministrator Dennis Gonzalez. She said it was best to remove him, in part, because of his “rather stern” demeanor, though she personally never had a problem with him.
Gonzalez, in office for just over a year, had been involved in controversial decisions, including the layoffs of public works employees, the suspension of Police Chief Thomas Bryan, and the executive order that prohibits township employees from providing information directly to Township Council members.
These and other actions by the administration prompted the council to form a Committee of the Whole to investigate the mayor’s initiatives.
Ricigliano said she believes Ruane’s appointment will benefit the township.
“We have a great opportunity here, and Maureen comes to us with a broad spectrum of experience and knowledge,” she said. “Also, she has a very nice demeanor and has held the [business administrator] position and other positions in Caldwell, and has had positive dealings with the people over there.”
The council also approved a waiver for Ruane, since she is not an Edison resident. Council members asked the administration if candidates were asked if they were willing to move to the township. Management Specialist William Stephens, who had been serving as acting business administrator, said the administration did not ask that of the candidates.
“We were sorely in need of a business administrator,” Stephens said, adding that the administration was concentrating on finding the best candidate. “She is a good match, having dealt with CDBG [Community Development Block Grants] and Green Acres funds. All her previous dealings will give Edison a great deal of aid.”
Councilman Wayne Mascola was not present for the vote.