Business administrator necessary for a well-run government in Brick

Business administrator necessary
for a well-run government in Brick

I have read with interest the exchange of opinions between Brick Business Administrator, Scott MacFadden and Brick resident Edward Hann. As a former city administrator in Hoboken, I know firsthand the different roles played by a mayor and the administrator.

The mayor, as the highest elected representative, must deal with the ceremonial and political side of government while establishing the policies of his administration. The appointed administrator is charged with implementing those polices while dealing with the day-to-day operations of the township.

The two jobs are uniquely different, and desirable to an efficient and well-run municipality. The mayor’s time is often devoted to listening to divergent constituent needs. A mayor, especially a part-time one, simply does not have the time to constantly deal with the public and simultaneously run the town’s operations.

The administrator is the "go-to guy." It is his job to take care of the business side of government. He will give direction to municipal employees, deal with the budgetary requirements, labor matters and a myriad of regulatory issues. These are the things that a professional should deal with, and certainly not elected officials.

The analogies of a business answering to the stockholders and being profit-driven, while a government "simply raises taxes," is not that simple. The primary motivation of a mayor is to get re-elected. The best way to get re-elected is to keep taxes in check, provide good services and have your finger on the pulse of the electorate. The last thing any mayor wants to do is raise taxes.

Brick residents are fortunate to have Scott MacFadden as the administrator. He is one of the best administrators in the state, runs a tight ship and is worth every penny he earns. While some may want to turn the clock back to a simpler time, it just cannot happen. I want my tax dollars spent on a professional government.

George W. Crimmins

Brick