New Forks Township Manager Gets in the Groove

John Cornell is getting settled.

The new township manager from spent his first week on the job going through orientation and meeting all of the department heads.

Now, he's gearing up for his first Board of Supervisors meeting Thursday.

"I'm getting filled in on all of our major projects," said Cornell, 55, of Souderton, who was chosen among 50 candidates and will earn a $92,000-a-year salary plus a $200 car stipend.

"Everyone has been very helpful," he said Tuesday. "It was a week on the job yesterday [Monday]."

Cornell has gone through this process before, having 25 years of township management experience.

"It's exciting," Cornell said. "It's sinking in. It's going very well. We have a great staff."

Township supervisors are happy to have Cornell on board.

"I am very pleased," Supervisor Bob Egolf said. "He seems to be a good listener -- a trait that is paramount to success here in Forks. He's very approachable and affable. From what I've heard, the staff is very pleased also."

Cornell replaced  Forks Township manager for about five years. He resigned in November and took a new position in Hilltown, Bucks County.

"He's doing very well," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said of Cornell. "So far, so good. Everything's been great. There's just so much information. It's quite a learning curve. But he's getting up to speed quickly."

Cornell said he's very impressed with the parks system and facilities in Forks.

He knows Forks faces many financial challenges with the public works garage that's over budget and a deficit that needs to be fixed.

"I feel comfortable that we'll get those issues resolved and behind us," Cornell said.