N. Caldwell Mayor Resigns, Appointed Administrator

Following executive session Tuesday night, North Caldwell's council accepted Mayor Mel Levine's resignation and appointed him the borough's new administrator, while Council President Joseph Alessi will become the municipality's temporary mayor.

According to a statement released Wednesday morning, the council unanimously voted in favor to appoint Levine as borough administrator, replacing Joseph Kunz, who resigned earlier this week. 

Kunz, who returned from vacation on Monday, told The Caldwells Patch Wednesday that his resignation was not voluntary.

"Yes, I resigned, but it was not by choice," he said. "I'm really shocked that this all happened. But, unfortunately, it did and I have to move on with my life."

Alessi declined to comment on Kunz's resignation, calling it a "personnel issue."

Levine, who had worked with special needs children in the West Orange School District, will earn a yearly salary of $75,000, nearly $20,000 less than what Kunz earned, according to the statement.

"Economy and effective government were our primary reasons for taking these steps," Alessi said in the statement. "New challenges need new vision and in today's expense-heavy and spiraling tax environment our vision brought us to this solution." 

Alessi told The Caldwells Patch Wednesday morning that he will serve as mayor for at least the next 30 days. The North Caldwell Republican County Committee will present three candidates to fill the mayoral vacancy on an interim basis. North Caldwell's council will then select one candidate to fill the position until the end of the year.

Levine, who was running unopposed for a third term as mayor, has served the borough for 35 years as a member of the governing body as well as various municipal boards.

According to Alessi, the appointed interim mayor could run in November's election in place of Levine, but an alternate candidate can also be placed on the ballot.

Alessi, an attorney in Verona, was first elected as a councilman in 2001 and was seeking a fourth term in November. He said Wednesday that considering the changes on the governing body, he is now keeping his "options open" for the upcoming election.

Levine has been mayor the past eight years after serving as a councilman for 14 years, including two terms as council president. He has also served as a member of the Board of Adjustment for 10 years, including three as chairman, and for seven years on the Planning Board. The Republican was also inducted into the state's Mayors Hall of Fame in 2009.

"Mel Levine's civic responsibility and service to the people of North Caldwell since 1976 has been second to none." Alessi said. "We are fortunate to now put all of this experience to work as a borough administrator who knows virtually every resident, every employee and every challenge. We look forward to a smooth transition and immediate results with Mel Levine in borough hall."

Levine will replace Kunz, who resigned on Monday, effective immediately. Kunz had been the borough administrator since 2006 after serving in that role in South River in Middlesex County for two years.

"I am anxious and excited to continue my service to North Caldwell in this new capacity," Levine said in the statement. "I appreciate the council's support and encouragement and look forward to working with them for the good of the borough."

Alessi, who has been practicing law since 1979, has served as council president for two years and has been the chairman of the finance committee.

Alessi, who has also served as the borough's planning board attorney, has been a Trustee of the Essex County Bar Association and has received its Outstanding General Practioner Award. He also served as an assistant Essex County prosecutor.

Municipal Attorney David Paris also tendered his resignation this week, effective Sept. 1. However, he called the move Tuesday night a "procedural matter" to transfer his employment with the borough to his Nutley-based law firm. Paris said he plans to remain as municipal attorney.