Lacey MUA job a conflict of interest, reader says

Iread in the paper that Freeholder Lacey has applied for the job of Brick Township Municipal Utility's Authority (MUA) executive director. I have no knowledge ofMr. Lacey's qualifications for this position. If he is the best-qualified candidate, he should get the job. But if he is not, he should not get the job.

If he is hired as executive director, it should be a condition of his employment that he resigns his position as Ocean County Freeholder. Not to do so would create a conflict of interest in many areas, for example, the gypsy moth spraying in Jackson (resolved).

Brick sells water to Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant borough. If rate increases are called for, will pressure be put on Freeholder Lacey by voters in those towns not to raise rates? As a freeholder for all of Ocean County including Jackson, Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant borough and as BrickMUAdirector, would his concern for votes in the next election from other towns affect his decisions? Or would the votes from Brick in the next election affect his decisions?

These are just a few of the many issues that could cause a conflict. Will the taxpayers of Brick pay Freeholder Lacey while he is doing county business? Who will be in charge in Brick when the freeholder is busy with county work?With six or eight people applying for the job of executive director, it should not be a political appointment. The taxpayers of Brick will pay a new Executive Director in excess of $100,000. Politics should not be a part of this decision. It should be based upon the experience and qualifications of the applicant.

Do any of the other applicants have experience with a water/sewer authority? I know Mr. Lacey has been a business administrator in two other towns, but does he have any experience with a water system the size of Brick Township's? Do any of the other applicants have experience with a water/sewer system this size?

In this state, county, and town, too many people are hired because of whom they know and what elected office is or was held. It is time for this to stop. I hope it stops in Brick as an example for the rest of the state.

Cathy Ericksen

Brick Ed. Note - Lacey was appointed MUA

commissioner on Monday night