In a surprising turn of events, Hopewell Borough has recently undergone rapid changes in its administrative leadership. Following the retirement of long-time administrator Michelle Hovan, Maggie Schmitt assumed the position in April of this year, only to depart soon after for a better career opportunity that aligned with her goals, according to the Borough. Expressing gratitude for her service, the Borough is now focusing on the transition to its new temporary administrator, Stephen Mountain, an experienced professional in municipal administration.
Stephen Mountain, known for his prior work in small to mid-size municipalities in northern New Jersey, has stepped into the role of temporary Administrator for Hopewell Borough. Currently, he dedicates three days a week to the Borough office, ensuring a smooth continuation of operations during this transitional period. Since his arrival, Mountain has exhibited exceptional accessibility and clear communication, making himself readily available to residents and the Borough Council, as shared by Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano.
Despite the administrative changes, Hopewell Borough’s regular operations continue during the stated hours, with prompt attention given to Borough matters. Anzano noted that Mountain has quickly adapted to his new responsibilities and has proven to be a capable administrator, earning commendation for his effectiveness.
To facilitate the search for a permanent Administrator, Hopewell Borough has enlisted the services of a reputable agency to collect resumes from potential candidates. The Borough has already received around ten resumes, a promising response thus far. The Council’s personnel committee is scheduled to convene soon to review the resumes and select the most promising candidates for further consideration. The final decision will be made by the full Council after conducting interviews. Hopewell Borough aims to fill the permanent administrator position by August, well in advance of the bustling month of September.
During this transitional period, Hopewell Borough acknowledges that its Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently understaffed, a situation that is expected to persist until August. Consequently, ongoing projects may experience slight delays or slower progress. Additionally, residents should be aware that the County will periodically conduct restriping of crosswalks that require attention within the borough.
Residents are encouraged to reach out to Stephen Mountain at the Borough Hall for any questions or concerns that may arise during this transition.
