Montville's Assistant Administrator Hired by West Caldwell

Written by Mike D'Onofrio

Montville Township's assistant administrator since 2007 has been hired as the township administrator for West Caldwell.

Adam Brewer was approved last week as administrator for the Essex County township at a yearly salary of $103,000 beginning on Aug. 14.

"It feels great" to be appointed the new business administrator, Brewer said. "I am eager to begin working with West Caldwell ... and I look forward to starting."

About 35 people originally applied for the job, West Caldwell Acting Township Administrator Michael Bramhall said. The list was narrowed down to four in recent weeks before the council chose Brewer. 

"There were a lot of qualified candidates with a vast background in local government," Bramhall said, "but we felt that Adam really rose to the top of that pile. He is very enthusiastic and we feel it will be a good fit for us both short and long term."

The appointment of an administrator ends a four-month search that began when former administrator and clerk Jock Watkins announced his resignation and began his leave in April. Watkins worked for West Caldwell for more than 30 years in various capacities.

Brewer will take over the position from Bramhall, who is also the West Caldwell Police chief. Bramhall took over the position in May and received no additional compensation during the search for a full-time administrator. 

"The opportunity to be the interim administrator was challenging and yet rewarding," Bramhall said, "and I appreciate the confidence the mayor and council had in me to be able to handle that for the past four months."

In Montville, Brewer served as interim administrator after former administrator Frank Bastone retired.