Howell Council OKs Joseph Clark As Township Manager In 3-0 Vote

HOWELL, NJ — The Township Council's three members present at Tuesday's meeting unanimously approved Interim Township Manager Joseph A. Clark's appointment as township manager.

Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond and Councilwomen Suzanne Brennan and Evelyn O'Donnell, all Republicans, voted in favor of Clark's appointment. Mayor Theresa Berger and Councilman John Bonevich, both Democrats, were not present at the meeting Dec. 13.

The resolution to appoint Clark noted his "exemplary job" in the interim role, to which he was appointed on May 24. He was previously the township attorney. Clark will receive an annual salary that is to be negotiated with the Township Council, the resolution said.

Clark replaced former Township Manager Brian Geoghegan, who had been on a paid three-month leave. Geoghegan was terminated in August after the issue of his use of paid time off came up during contract negotiations. Caitlin C. Harney of GluckWalrath in Freehold was named township attorney at the time.

In voting for the appointment of Clark, the Township Council members present praised him.

Richmond acknowledged that the council was criticized by some for not launching a search for a manager. But she said the town had the best person for the job already working in the township.

"I would want a manager like this - and he's here," she said.

Brennan said Clark's "professionalism is unparalleled" and she has heard "positive feedback" about his role leading the township staff.

O'Donnell said Clark has been proactive in improving the Howell community by encouraging more community involvement in the town.

"I've lived here since I was four years old, and I've never felt more a part of the town," she said.

The three Republican council members-elect, Fred Gasior, Susan Fischer and Ian Nadel - were sitting in on the meeting and they also commented positively on Clark, Fischer said his experience at township attorney gave the council "the benefit of both worlds."

Richmond and Brennan did not seek re-election, so this was their last council meeting. They were were given flowers and copies of proclamations praising their service. Richmond said she plans to continue to be involved as an advocate for township matters, including the Howell PAL.

Retired Howell Sgt. Christopher Hill, president of the Howell Township Police Athletic League, also was the recipient of a proclamation by the council recognizing his service not only to law enforcement but to the PAL youth programs. One of the many programs is the Youth Leadership Council which allows youth to volunteer numerous hours helping those in need and strengthening their leadership skills, Hill's bio says.

At the meeting, another proclamation of appreciation was given to former Howell Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo, who stepped down from his role in November 2021 to devote more time to his law practice and to his US Navy Reserve interests. Russo first took office in 2009 and was named deputy mayor in January 2021, taking over the position previously held by Councilwoman O'Donnell.