Former Vernon Mayor proposed sharing manager with Hardyston

The recent sacking of the Vernon Township Manager offers an opportunity for considering an “outside the box” solution to the open position. Specifically, I propose that Vernon enter into a shared services arrangement with Hardyston to utilize their excellent manager, Marianne Smith, to oversee managerial and personnel aspects of the Vernon Manager’s position. The current Vernon clerk could assume administrative functions of the position, and act as an overall local point person. We all know that New Jersey is in bad fiscal shape. It is a fair assumption that future state aid to all municipalities will decline. Vernon and Hardyston both share a recreational tourism economic focus concentrated along Route 94. Hardyston also has a reputation for efficient dealings with both its residents and businesses. The opportunity exists to better coordinate recreational development between our two adjoining towns and to upgrade efficiency at the Vernon municipal building. While there would be short-term benefits to both Vernon and Hardyston, the longer term benefits would be the main advantage of the arrangement. With her background in Hardyston, and after having the opportunity to understand the inner workings of Vernon’s municipal government, the manager would be in a unique position to recommend opportunities for additional shared services between Vernon and Hardyston. This could result in significant savings for both towns. Governor Christie will be pushing for major changes in state government in order to address New Jersey’s fiscal issues. Municipalities will be left on their own. We should look at innovative ways to get in front of this new reality. John P. Logan Vernon Mayor 2000-03