Politics & Government

Township Administrator Resigns, Suggests Cranford Change Government

Joe Hartnett stated he is resigning due to 'philosophical differences over how the township should be managed.'


Cranford's Township Administrator, Joe Hartnett, released the following letter on Tuesday afternoon stating he would be resigning from his position.
The letter addressed the letter of resignation he sent to the township last week. 

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

Hartnett also encourages the residents of Cranford to consider a change in the form of government.


The letter is as follows:

“Many rumors appear to be circulating in the community regarding the letter of resignation I have submitted to the Township Committee. I want to make it absolutely clear that neither Mayor Hannen nor any Member of the Township Committee has ever asked me to do anything illegal, unethical or improper. Anything the Mayor or Committee Members have asked of me is well within their rights under their authority in the form of government Cranford operates under.” 

“Having said that, it has become increasingly clear over the past several months that we have philosophical differences over how the Township should be managed and that, in my opinion, these differences could not be resolved under this form of government.” 

“I will do everything possible to provide for a smooth transition and have offered to stay on to do that. I intend to leave the Township in much better shape than I found it and headed in the right direction. I thank the Mayor and Township Committee for the opportunity to serve Cranford. Finally, I encourage the citizens of Cranford to pursue changing the form of government to one better suited to effectively and efficiently managing an organization of this size in this day and age.”

Mayor Thomas Hannen was not immediately available for comment. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


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