Freeholders Announce Two Promotions, Appointment

CREST HAVEN – The federal government is temporarily shut, but Cape May County government is open with some new personnel assignments announced Oct. 8 at the freeholders’ meeting.
Michael Laffey assumed duties as director of operations Oct. 1. The post was held by Edmund Grant, who was summoned from retirement after the resignation of Administrator Stephen O’Connor.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton told the Herald that Grant has been assigned to a special project at Social Services in Rio Grande to “create efficiencies down there.” Thornton estimated that task might take from four to six months.
Laffey has been director of the Cape May County Park and Zoo for nearly 10 years, said Thornton. “He is a very good manager and supervisor, and he has a personality that goes along with it. He is very dedicated to the county,” said the director. “He is a dedicated person and has proven himself at the park and zoo. Another thing that helped in the decision was that he has provided the necessary continuity at the park. He recommended Ed Runyon, who has been the number two guy for a period of years under Michael.”
Runyon moved into Laffey’s prior post as director of County Park and Zoo, said Thornton.
Jeffrey Lindsay, a practicing attorney for the past six years, and Lower Township Republican municipal leader, was appointed as county labor counsel. That post had been held by County Counsel Barbara Bakley-Marino for the past four years, said Thornton.
Bakley-Marino also holds the post of director of human resources, he added. “She had been doing that for more than four years, and it is too much for one person,” he added. Bakley-Marino assumed the role of human resources upon the retirement of Eileen Ballinghoff.
“Jeff is a good fit. He has the experience and background. We needed to have a lawyer, and Jeff was with the firm of Cooper Levenson, and specialized in labor law. He is going to do a lot of labor law. He is a good source. In the long run, we will be saving money,” Thornton said.
County Engineer Dale Foster told the board he had “good news for once.” He spoke of the notification by the Governor’s Office of two $500,000 grants for bridge repairs.
The first will aid in revamping the Schellenger Landing Bridge, linking Lower Township and Cape May.
The second for the Upper Thorofare Bridge on Ocean Drive near Atlantic Cape Fisheries.
Both spans are classified as “structurally deficient,” by the state although they remain safe for passage, Foster said. He noted that the Schellenger Landing Bridge’s columns would be strengthened under the road. Upper Thorofare lost material around abutments during Hurricane Sandy. Material will bolster the supports so further erosion will not take place.
Foster brought with him the Dr. John L. Buzzi Engineer Excellence Award he was presented by New Jersey Alliance for Action Oct. 2 in New Brunswick. Foster said each county engineer was presented one of the Eagle Awards.
The Eagle Award “symbolizes the ability to rise above obstacles and to achieve levels of success beyond the common grasp that make the recipient of this award a leader,” noted a certificate that accompanied the award. The award is named for Buzzi who was founder of the Alliance for Action, a pro-business organization.
Prior to the regular meeting, Cape May County 4-H Clover Buds Gardening Club members made presentations of flowers they raised to each freeholder to mark 4-H Week in the county.
Jimmy Papperman, 12, of Dennisville, the first Junior Outstanding 4Her of the Year, briefed the board on what the organization does for young people of the county. “We hope they (flowers) will remind you that Cape May County 4-H grows great kids,” said Papperman.
Vice Director Leonard Desiderio asked Papperman’s age, and when the answer was “12,” Desiderio quipped, “Six more years and you can run against us.”
Julie Karavan, county 4-H agent, and Linda Horner joined the members at the meeting.