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Freeholder Lacey Named Brick MUA Director
By Keith Hagarty
Saying his qualifications stood out from the pack of candidates, Ocean County Freeholder James F. Lacey was unanimously chosen as the executive director of the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA).
The recent 5-0 vote by the BTMUA Board of Commissioners to appoint Lacey, a Brick resident, came after the commissioners reviewed eight candidates for the position.
According to BTMUA Chairman Patrick L. Bottazzi, Lacey's experience and years of service to the community were a prized commodity for the position.
While exact figures for Lacey's salary and threeyear contract are not yet established, the BTMUA estimates the new position will pay Lacey about $135,000 per year.
For the last three years, Lacey has worked as Beachwood's borough administrator and director of public works.
Brick Councilwoman Kathy M. Russell believes Lacey's experience will serve him well in leading the BTMUA and its 145 employees.
"I read in the newspaper that he has been a public works director in Beachwood, as well as a business administrator, and I believe that combination should be very good with what he has to do with the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority," said Russell.
Lacey also currently serves as county liaison to the Department of Solid Waste Management, liaison to Ocean County College and liaison to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
News of Lacey's appointment was met with mixed public reaction.
Brick resident Jeremy Colston is optimistic about Lacey's appointment.
"From what I've seen, Lacey has been a good freeholder, and I'm sure he'll keep up the good work for Brick," said Colston. "Having someone work for the town's interests, who also lives here to boot, can only benefit us. Plus, he's a freeholder. Having a helping hand in a county seat sounds like a bonus."
However, resident Jessica Stern expressed caution.
"It seems like he has too many hats," Stern said of Lacey's multiple positions. "I'm not saying he's not qualified to do the job, or implying anything like that, I just kind of wonder if he'll realistically be able to devote as much time to our town with all his other obligations and responsibilities. But I guess, we'll just have to wait and see. I hope he proves me wrong."
Despite such concerns, Mayor Stephen Acropolis does not believe Lacey's service to the county will not interfere in any way whatsoever with his new position as head of the BTMUA. For Acropolis, where someone works, or any political affiliation, is not nearly as important as an individual's abilities.
"You can't disqualify someone because they're a Democrat or a Republican, or because they held positions in other places," said Acropolis. "They've got to be qualified for the job."
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