Greenwich Township officials shake up financial committee, despite protest

[greencook]

Greenwich Township officials shake up financial committee, despite protest

Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 9:48 PM Updated: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 10:32 PM

Sarah M. Wojcik
There was a changing of the guard in Greenwich Township finance matters today, despite the protests from two committee members.

Committeewoman Elaine Emiliani and Committeeman Jim Adams were removed from their place on the township finance committee at the suggestion of Mayor Tanya Segal. The two officials were replaced on the committee by Segal and Committeeman Bruce Williams.

"It was a slap in the face," Adams said of the 3-2 vote.

The finance committee consists of two township committee representatives to help control the fiscal responsibilities in the township.









The poor working relationship between Emiliani, Adams and the township Chief Financial Officer Grace Brennan was the reason behind the switch, Segal said. Lack of communication from the two committee members with Brennan has become a problem, she said.

"I don't believe there is a good relationship between the two of you and our CFO," Segal said. "And with all the upcoming changes with the toolkit and the governor, I believe it's in the best interest of the township for this change."

Adams and Emiliani deny Segal's allegations.

"Your claim is baseless," Adams said to Segal during the meeting.

Emiliani said she doesn't understand Segal's claims of a troubled relationship with the chief financial officer.

"Why? Because we ask questions?" Emiliani asked.

Adams said he worries about the direction of finances under Segal and Williams' control.
"I've been concerned since March," Adams said. "I'm concerned about the fiscal future of this township."

[greencook]

I was at the meeting when Adams put the CFO on the spot with what appeared to be false allegations. Adams and Emiliani need to move past the differences they have with the other members and start thinking of the township. We have had enough of this and I say good for the other three members that want to see some progress. Let's just hope it happens. Adams just doesn't know enough to be concerned and Emilliani is too political. At least Adams is out.

[RINKERv230]

The CFO's job is supposed to be non-political. she is there to report on the fiscal stability of the municipality. Not so some politician can score points. That is one of the reasons CFO's get tenure.

[greencook]

I agree with you that CFOs are supposed to be non-political. For some reason Adams and Emilliani try to make everyone look bad. I think they believe it to be the only way they can look good. I've attended a few meetings and I can honestly say they get along with no one and attack everyone (including sometimes people in the audience). It's not something I understand and it is quite disgusting to watch.

[OverLord]

The whole process of governing is supposed to be non-political, but it never is.

Ms. Emiliani is upset because she did not get a position in the Christie administration and because of recent personal issues. She needs to observe the rules of meetings and stop acting like she's the Mayor. Also, be aware, there is still someone pulling strings behind the scene; a former CommitteePerson who has teamed with Ms. Emiliani to promote a political agenda for whatever reasons.

Mr. Adams has always been one to try and cut costs, but some of his ideas are quite radical. The intersting part is that he has joined Ms. Emiliani in her agenda. I am disappointed because Mr. Adams does everything Ms. Emiliani tells him to; too bad he doesn't have a backbone.

If Ms. Emiliani and Mr. Adams were truly interested in cutting costs, they would work to remove the needless overhead in the Township budget; namely unneccesary employees, consultants and lawyers.