Manchester's Clerk Unanimously Approved for Another 3 Years

Members of Manchester's township council offered praise as they unanimously voted to approve the municipal clerk to another three-year term.

Sabina Skibo, who also goes by Sam, has served as Manchester's clerk for the past three years and was reappointed by for a term running from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2014, at Monday's regular township meeting.

"When Sam started, I told her then that it was her office and her responsibility and accountability," said council president Craig Wallis. "The other mandate was to keep us out of trouble and make sure everything is right, and she's done that pretty well."

Council member Kenneth Vanderziel also offered compliments for the clerk. 

"She's been the finest municipal clerk I've seen around here," he said. "She does know everything."

Skibo has worked for the township for 15 years. Before serving as clerk, she spent six and a half years as deputy clerk, served in the building department as an administrative assistant and was vice chairperson on the planning board.

Township attorney Steven Secare administered the oath to Skibo, who was accompanied by her daughter, Sabrina Skibo. Other family, including her husband, son and daughter-in-law, watched from the audience. According to Secare, Skibo has achieved tenure with the township. 

"It's been a great experience and hopefully I will be here for many more years," Skibo said. "I could not do it without my staff. I want to thank them for making my job much easier."

Hank Glen, a resident who is a regular at township meetings, was unable to attend the May 13 meeting but emailed a letter to the council expressing his support for Skibo, stating that her office "runs like a well-oiled machine."

"I've never gotten an 'I don't know' answer from her," he said in the email read aloud by Wallis. "If the answer is not available, they do the research. It is a good leader that makes an office run efficiently and Ms. Skibo is that leader."

Elena Zsoldos, the township's business administrator, said that her relationship with Skibo has helped to get things done.

"The way we work together has made both of our jobs a lot easier," she said. "I've been with Manchester for 13 years and I couldn't ask to work with a better person."

For Skibo, her job is ensuring that Manchester runs smoothly, whether that means working with the township council or answering the phone calls from residents seeking help.

"It's a wonderful feeling to serve the public and know that you're doing it well," she said. "I appreciate that the residents appreciate that."

According to the township's website, the clerk's duties range from registering vital statistics, providing notary services for residents and serving as secretary to the governing body, among others. Skibo's office can be reached by calling 732-657-8121, ext. 3200.