R-FH Area Administrators Honored for Sandy-Related Work

Rumson, Fair Haven and Sea Bright borough administrators were among 34 municipal managers from Monmouth County recognized in a joint resolution by the NJ State Senate and Assembly “for their tireless and heartfelt efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy."

With the resolution, sponsored by District 13 Republican legislators Amy Handlin and Joseph Kyrillos Jr., Rumson's Thomas Rogers, Fair Haven's Theresa Casagrande and Sea Bright's Joseph Verunni earned the distinction for being consummate professionals "on the front lines" from the time the Sandy struck Oct. 29, 2012.

The resolution, in part, reads: “… the strength and success of the State of New Jersey, the vitality of our communities and effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon citizens, exemplified by these admired Public Administrators, who unite voluntarily, act together, and provide their unique talents to further a cause, to perform a necessary service, to support one another and their communities, and to relieve others from unavoidable hardship …”

The mayors of the affected towns couldn't agree more with the assessment and had their own personal, hands-on experiences and kudos for their towns' administrators' work in the face of unprecedented natural disaster.

Tom Rogers worked tirelessly in the days after Sandy including spending two nights in his office at Borough Hall, Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl said of his borough administrator. "His efforts were dramatic — similar to the police, fire, EMS, OEM and DPW departments in Rumson. The residents of Rumson are proud to have these terrific public servants."

Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli and council members have heaped accolades on Administrator Theresa Casagrande from onset as well.

"What she managed to accomplish to keep the town running — and smoothly — through and after Sandy was amazing," Lucarelli said. "Her patience, calm and knowledge, from running the departments smoothly to seeking out help and grants … outstanding."

Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long has consistently praised Administrator Joseph Verunni's professionalism and guidance through Sandy and its ongoing recovery in Sea Bright.

The Sea Bright peninsula was pummeled by Sandy, rendering homes uninhabitable or destroyed and leaving most residents homeless at least temporarily. Businesses werew washed away and are just starting to bounce back.

Rumson and Fair Haven, more so Rumson, were hit hard by Sandy, leaving those who run the towns working through power outages for 10 to 14 days following it and assisting afflicted residents to whom relief and/or guidance needed to be funneled.

There were downed trees and wires and the power losses and hazards that come with it in both Rumson and Fair Haven. Rumson's low lying areas were flooded, with homes left severely damaged and many uninhabitable. Many are being elevated. Some residents, faced with the costly dilemma of either elevating or paying high insurance premiums, have decided to relocate.

Other area administrators honored were: Holly Reycraft, Aberdeen; Adam Hubeny, Atlantic Highlands; Robert Bowden, Colts Neck; George Jackson, Eatontown; Joseph Bellina, Freehold Borough; Peter R. Valesi, Freehold Township; Howard H. Woolley Jr., Long Branch; and Andrew G. Brannen, Ocean Township.