VILLAS – Former Lower Township Manager Joseph Jackson has requested a hearing before Lower Township Council dealing with his removal from the position.
He is entitled to a hearing under the Faulkner Act which governs Lower Township’s council/manager form of government.
The hearing which will take place at council’s Feb. 2 meeting at 7 p.m. Township Solicitor Tony Monzo said it would not be a judicial hearing, so it does not give Jackson the ability to cross examine council or to make council explain anything more than what was stated in a resolution to remove Jackson as Township Manager.
Monzo said the Faulkner Act does not require cause for removal of the manager, only that the manager be informed why he is being removed, stating reasons. Jackson will have the right refute those reasons.
Monzo said there are contract issues with Jackson that could not be discussed in a open council meeting. If council decides to move forward with a final action to remove Jackson, it would pass a final resolution of removal and at that point his employment will end, said Monzo.
Jackson continues to be paid during a three month period that began with a preliminary resolution of removal passed Dec. 15, 2008.
Lower Township – The days of the subscription lifestyle are here. Just bought that new house? To be able to use the bathroom is $12.95 a month. You want to cook in your new kitchen? It’ll cost you $14.95 a month….