Cranford Hires New Township Administrator

The township passed a resolution on Tuesday evening naming a new Township Administrator.

The new administrator, Terence Wall, will replace administrator Joe Hartnett who resigned earlier this year. Hartnett had said that he is resigning due to philosophical differences over how the township should be managed.

"It has become increasingly clear over the past several months that we have philosophical differences over how the Township should be managed," Hartnett said in September. "And that, in my opinion, these differences could not be resolved under this form of government."

Mayor Tom Hannen mentioned during the Oct. 22 committee meeting that the Township had been taking the interview process very seriously.

“Having someone guide this ship is a monumental task,” Hannen said.

He added on Tuesday that Harnett's dedication to his profession and to Cranford has been exemplary and that he is hopeful Wall will help the Township build on the foundation that Hartnett has created.

Kalnins said that the process to hire a new administrator was the most extensive process he has been a part of.

“I’m very impressed with your [Wall] qualifications and the work that you’ve done and I know that you will keep us in the right direction.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Hartnett thanked the mayor and commissioners for giving him the opportunity to serve Cranford. He added that he would like to thank the citizens of Cranford for thanking him wherever he went in town for putting the town on professional footing.

“It’s been a very humbling experience,” he said. “Cranford is a wonderful town that has a lot of potential.”

Commissioner Lisa Adubato and Township Clerk Tara Rowley thanked Township Administrator Joe Hartnett for his service in Cranford and providing the Township with a roadmap to move forward.

“He put us on the path we need to be on,” Commissioner Andis Kalnins said.

Wall has previously served as the Borough Administrator for North Arlington. Check back with Patch for more on the new administrator.

Hartnett said he has already met with Wall a few times and will be working to create a smooth transition.