W. Caldwell Appoints Watkins Acting Administrator

Another hat was added to Jock Watkins' already vast collection Tuesday night.

Watkins, who serves as West Caldwell's clerk, construction official, fire sub-code official, fire official and deputy emergency management coordinator, will now become the town's acting administrator as well.

"You wear many hats," Mayor Joseph Tempesta said.

According to Tempesta, Watkins has agreed to receive no additional compensation to assume the acting administrator's duties as the search to permanently fill the position is underway.

Deputy Clerk Judy Edwards said four resumes were received Tuesday alone and seven total since the opening was posted Thursday on the town and League of Municipalities Web sites.

Andy Katz, who had been the town administrator since February 2008 and served as acting chief financial officer for nearly the past year, resigned last month to accept Vernon's town manager position. His last day with West Caldwell was June 8.

"We felt the need to have an acting township administrator," Tempesta said. "We spoke to Mr. Watkins and he agreed to do this for a period of time without any additional compensation.

"The only comment Jock made was that he hoped it doesn't take us two years to go through the process. I promised and assured him that we all wish to go through the process as thoroughly as possible, but obviously as humanly and quickly as possible as well."