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Politics & Government

Ex-Mayor: I'm Prepared to be Town Administrator

Anthony Ferrera will begin $124K post next month.

Former Hillsborough Mayor Anthony Ferrera has been named the new township administrator.

Ferrera, who served on the Township Committee from 2004 to 2011 and as mayor in 2007 and 2008, will .

Ferrera, now serving as director of the Division of Workforce Portfolio and Contract Management in the state Department of Labor, will take over the $124,000 township post on Aug. 20. Merdinger will leave at the end of August.

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Ferrera, a Republican, was unanimously approved by the all-GOP Township Committee.

Pamela Borek was also named by the Township Committee on Tuesday night as acting township clerk, effective Sept. 1.

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“The administrator’s position is all about ensuring that the municipal operations run efficiently and effectively, like a business, for the people of Hillsborough,” Ferrara said in a statement released by the township.

“My time in the private sector has prepared me for that kind of responsibility and my past community service as mayor, on the township committee and on our other boards and commissions gives me the insight to know that Hillsborough is a special place. It is an honor to have this opportunity in my hometown.”

Ferrera, who earned a master's degree in business administration from Stevens Institute of Technology, had a 20-year career with AT&T before joining the state.

“Hillsborough gains the best of both worlds,” Mayor Carl Suraci said. “Anthony knows our local government and issues intimately.

"He can hit the ground running."

Ferrera also served on the township Planning Board, the Business and Economic Development Commission, the Recreation Commission and the Cultural Arts Commission. On the Township Committee, he served as chairman of the police committee and the finance committee.

Ferrera has also been a tireless advocate for adults and children with special needs. A board member of the Organization of Autism Research, he has volunteered with special needs programs for more than three decades and spearheaded the development of the township’s Inclusive Recreation Program.

“His resume speaks for itself,” Township Committeeman Doug Tomson said. “It is really good to see someone as involved as he is to take on the position.”

“Anthony’s experience in Hillsborough puts him ahead of the curve,” Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley said. “He comes to the position already knowing the importance of open space and farmland preservation to the community. He knows the township’s goals in regard to economic development and he knows that our primary mission is to keep spending down while delivering necessary services.”

“He will make an excellent administrator,” Committee Member Frank Delcore said. “When he puts his mind to something, he gets it done.”

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