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Residents Protest Loss Of Township Recreation Director
By Keith Hagarty
On a night when Mayor Mark Seda proposed a widespread recreational initiative throughout Jackson, calling for upgrades and the construction of new athletic fields as part of the 2007 municipal operating budget, residents wondered how firm that commitment was when they questioned how the town could allow Ann Alberta to lose her position as township recreation director.
Alberta has served as Jackson's recreation director for four years, being appointed by the former township committee.
However, citing a need to uncover new areas to save money in the township budget, the current township administration plans to combine the separate township recreation and the senior services departments into a single entity.
The consolidation of the department's cost Alberta her position, being supplanted by Eric J. Schubiger, who most recently served as recreation director of Warren Township. Schubiger was unanimously approved by the council last week to serve as the director of the township recreation and senior services department at an annual salary of $72,500.
Janice Connor, the township's current senior service director, will retain her position, but will now report directly to Schubiger.
Alberta, on the other hand, was let go.
Choking up as she spoke into the microphone, Alberta asked Seda and the council to reconsider their decision to eliminate her position.
"I am a resident of Jackson, and I feel that my experience and dedication to this town speaks for itself," said Alberta. "I'm very excited about all the wonderful things I was able to do for our town."
Receiving a round of applause from the audience as she wiped away her tears, Alberta said she appreciated all of the kind words from the residents who spoke out on her behalf.
Residents: "Alberta
Deserved Better"
As a resident of Jackson for the past nine years, Kathy DiGesu, of Docare Road, has been an active member of the township recreation commission and is baffled how someone like Alberta could suddenly find herself on the outside looking in.
"She's done a wonderful
job," DiGesu said of Alberta. "I know that she's very enthusiastic,
and I know that she brought a lot to this (recreation) department."
While she understands the administration's attempt to streamline operations in the town and try to save money by combining the two departments, DiGesu can't comprehend why Alberta was not included in the plans.
"I know what we need to do to make the budget work, but I also know we just don't throw the baby out with the bath water," she said. "We have to keep good people to keep the town running, and I hope you will not throw Annie out to the wolves to find another job."
Arguing that the recreation department has thrived under Alberta's leadership, DiGesu said it's a bad idea to bring a brand new outsider into a key leadership role over someone who lives in Jackson and has served the town with enthusiasm and vigor.
"If you put someone in her place, they're going to have to learn the town all over again and start from scratch," said DiGesu. "We've already been down that road."
Doing what's in the best interests of Jackson's residents should take precedence over any politicized personnel issues, said Michele Asaro, of Hibiscus Place.
"Republicans, Democrats, whatever it may be should not matter," said Asaro. "It should be what's in the best interests of the children."
Alberta deserved better treatment than what she received from the governing body, according to Asaro, saying she consistently went above and beyond for the betterment of the community.
"I do not understand whatsoever why a
woman that gave 150 percent to her job for
this town would lose her job," said Asaro. "We should be begging her to come back."
Decision Was Not A Personal One
Claims from residents that the council was not taking Alberta's service and dedication to the town into consideration are simply not true, said Councilwoman Emily Ingram.
"Nobody's looking to hurt anyone, and
Annie Alberta knows that," said Ingram. "And we're certainly not looking to hurt the
children of our town, that's for sure."
Tough decisions had to be made to improve the efficiency of the town and save the taxpayers as much money as possible, officials said. Combining the two departments, as defined by Jackson's newly revised administrative code, works toward that goal, according to Seda.
"The new director will now be in charge of not only recreation, but also the Senior Center and senior services provided by the township," said Seda. "There will be one department head."
The administration's decision to name a new director was not an arbitrary one, said Seda, explaining that about 50 resumes for the new director position were reviewed, with six finalists coming in for interviews before the final decision was made by him and the administration to nominate Schubiger for the position.
"I think his background is quite impressive," the mayor said, pointing to Schubiger's higher education in recreational studies and 17 years of experience serving as a recreation director as major influential factors.
"I do believe he does bring a lot to the table," said Seda.
Former Officials Criticize Decision
Two former Jackson elected officials, Mike Kafton and Sean Giblin, took Seda and the council to task for abolishing Alberta's position. Both Kafton and Giblin served on the township committee when Alberta was appointed as recreation director in 2002.
"The residents are appealing to you, the council," said Giblin. "You should listen to them."
For Kafton, the governing body's decision to let Alberta go and not retain her in any capacity is absolutely absurd, saying, "If it's not broke, why fix it?"
"Annie Alberta is probably the most non-political person you've ever met," Kafton told the council. "Do you have any idea the amount of programs that Annie Alberta has created for Jackson Township over the last few years?"
Kafton pointed to Alberta's efforts in the township's youth sports leagues, the Mayor's Annual Safe Trick or Treat program, the Movies In The Park summer series, Jackson Day and numerous other initiatives as proof of her value to the town.
"Why did you get rid of her if you know she's accomplished so much in her position?" Kafton asked the council.
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