COURT HOUSE — Committee announced, at its July 2 meeting, the retirement of Robert A. Hodges Sr., a long-time Middle Township public servant.
Hodges retired from the position of administrative director of the municipality’s public works department, a position he held since January 2002.
He was third in command with the department behind Mayor F. Nathan Doughty, who oversaw it, and Superintendent Rick Ceglarski, a state certified public works manager.
Committee said Hodges, whose position paid $59,620, would not be replaced.
Prior to his job in public works – the department responsible for road maintenance, street sweeping, drainage repair, snow removal, street signs and pothole repair – Hodges was a 15-year Democratic township committeeman.
He was on committee since 1986 when he defeated Republican challenger Richard James for the seat vacated by James Alexis, who is township administrator.
On committee, Hodges served as deputy mayor for a time and was director of public safety overseeing the police department, the township’s largest department.
Gov. James Florio appointed Hodges head of the county office of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in 1991. Hodges was instrumental in having the office moved from Sea Isle City to Rio Grande in 1992.
With the DMV, Hodges started a program posting pictures of missing children in his Motor Vehicle office, which developed into a national program.
As he was seeking his second term on committee in 1989 Hodges foreshadowed some of the township’s current issues when he said “the onset of sewers has opened our township to rapid development.”
“The nature and extent of that growth will determine the quality of life in the township during the next generation.”
The township continues to see unprecedented growth and development.
Doughty told the Herald Hodges would be missed.
“Bob served the community well both on the committee and in the public works depart-ment,” he said. “I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Hodges is a former president of the Court House Kiwanis Club and former vice president of the township Chamber of Commerce.
Hodges, a native of Georgia, resides on Stagecoach Road in Court House with his wife, Debbie.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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