Montclair Township manager Joseph Hartnett may be leaving his post in a few weeks but don’t think he’s not still working 24/7. With a new manager to show the ropes and the extremely busy township of about 42,000 residents to take care of, this is one manager who doesn’t take breaks.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’ve worked in public service my whole life,” said Hartnett. “During this transitional period, I am helping our new manager get the information he needs. He’s got the experience, and right now we are inundating him with information.”
Looking at the township, that currently boasts the lowest crime rate in its history, Hartnett said he’s been proud to serve the community in Montclair. During his tenure, his list of achievements is too vast to include here, but among them is the reorganization of the township government, a cost savings effort that accounted for reducing job titles in areas such as public works from 38 to 6 – all without layoffs.
Along the way, he’s seen many big changes come to Montclair.
“I’ve been in public service my whole life,” he said. “When you reach this point, I wonder if you look back with rose colored glasses.”
Peering back at the dramatic changes that have transformed the landscape of government on all levels over the past 30 years, Hartnett said he worried about a few troubling changes.“Politics has become so personal, from a national level on down,” he noted. “Years ago, if you had a disagreement with somebody you’d argue it out, but afterwards you’d go out to the diner and have a meal. Nowadays, it’s the politics of personal destruction.”
And, as politics has become increasingly the victim of marketing and less than dignified debates, the prevalence of the internet has also added complications to those who choose to serve their communities.
“Communication is instantaneous, with internets and blogs,” said Hartnett. “Years ago, 2 or 3 people would stand on a corner gossiping. Now, it’s all over the internet and the effect is that this is keeping good people from public service.”
According to numerous reports, Hartnett is correct. Since the advent of the internet – and the proliferation of unchecked blogs running side-by-side with traditional journalism online, rumors often become rampant – wreaking havoc upon not only those in the public eye but also their families.
Hartnett remembers when serving your community wasn’t just for politicians.
“Years ago, all of the big companies like Bell, utility companies and pharmaceutical companies would encourage their management employees to get involved in community service,” he said. “In some case they’d even give employees time off to be council members. Back then, civic responsibility was good for business. Nowadays, of course, the businesses want all your time.”
Looking ahead at the challenges that will surely face Montclair, Hartnett said he believes shared services will continue to be an important tool to keep the township healthy.
“Shared services will be bigger,” he said. “Two years ago, the state passed the cap tax and the budget cap. At that time I said the tax cap is like a vise that is going to get tighter and tighter.”
With the new state tax cap, it will surely be more critical for small towns to band together in order to survive.
“The tax cap is much more insidious since it involves our revenues,” he explained.
Hartnett offered an example to illustrate his point.
“This tax cap involves your revenues,” he said. “If our tax cap was 1.7 million last year, then it stays at revenue of 1.7 million, it means we have zero dollars to spend.”
Hartnett also emphasized that in his job, safeguarding the residents' well being has been utmost in his responsibilities.
“The bottom line is that we are a municipal corporation, but with serious responsibilities for public health, safety and welfare,” said Hartnett “We just don’t have people’s money in our hands. Sometimes, we literally have their lives in our hands.”
When asked what he enjoyed the most about his job, Hartnett quickly said it was easy to pinpoint.
“I have always been a people oriented person,” he said. “I get the most satisfaction form helping people.”
One of the many projects spearheaded by Hartnett is the All Access Children’s Playground.
“Even though it wasn’t a big thing in terms of money or accomplishment, or the size of the project, it’s a big thing for me, for what it stands for,” said Hartnett. “I went out personally to raise money for this.”
Another moving moment for Hartnett occurred many years ago, but has stayed fresh in his memories.
“Early on in my career, a young Chinese girl who had fled her country had a younger sister trapped there,” said Hartnett. “She was distressed and needed help. I helped out by talking to congress and a year later, she and her sister came to see me. They had a little plastic junk boat, which they gave to me. To this day I still have that boat.”
As for being satisfied with his many accomplishments, Hartnett said one true test of his success can be seen through a simple question.
“Did I leave things better than when I got them?” he asked.
If you ask any one of his many department heads and other township employees, the answer is a resounding yes. Walking through the halls of the municipal building on Claremont Avenue, employees referred to him as “loyal”, “honest”, “intelligent” and "caring”.
Council member Carey Africk agrees, and said he had been greatly assisted by working with Hartnett.
“Joe is the most hardworking, dedicated, and loyal person I know,” said Africk. “We often "kid" about how someone works 24/7. Joe does. I can write Joe an email at 11:30 at night on a Saturday and usually have an answer within 30 minutes. Email to Joe is always answered. When there is ever an emergency in town, such as a snow or wind storm, Joe shows up and "handles" the problem, usually accompanied by a constant stream of emails letting people know what is happening. Whenever there is a police or fire incident, Joe is there. In short, Joe treats the town like "his family." Protective. Responsible. Always there.”
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who has been a true supporter of Montclair since his election in 2003, has worked with Hartnett on numerous projects, including the timely purchase of the Iris Presby Gardens, which had fallen on hard times and now thrives with the support of the county.
“Joe Hartnett was a consummate professional who brought strong leadership and innovation to Montclair,” said DiVincenzo. “We both understood that no government can accomplish everything on its own and created a variety of County-municipal partnerships to share resources and deliver better services to our residents. Joe’s positive influence in Montclair will be felt for some time and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
As Harnett now leaves his post to spend some quiet time with his own family, including his wife of 32 years, it is hard to imagine this dynamo staying still for any length of time.
When asked what might be next, he paused.
“I really enjoy a challenge,” he said. “It’s what is great about this kind of job. It’s never dull. After I leave, I will take a vacation.”
As per advice for the new township manager he said, “My advice is to always go for respect. Popularity comes and goes. A township government is a serious enterprise. People’s lives are in your hands.”
On Friday night, there will be a gala dinner celebrating the achievements of Hartnett.
He has decided to donate all proceeds from ticket sales to three of his most beloved charitable causes: the All Access Children’s Playground, the Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Squad and the Salvation Army, Montclair Branch.
For ticket reservations or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dinner Program Chairman Michael D. Byrne at (973) 746-3280 or at FriendsofJoeHartnett@gmail.com.
Here is a list of some of Hartnett's accomplishments:
- Built the first solar-powered municipal complex in the nation.
- Adopted first green preservation ordinance in NJ.
- Won the first “Main Street” grant ever awarded in NJ.
- Achieved highest per capita affordable housing ratio in NJ.
- Initiated and managed the first ever successful referendum in the nation involving siting of a solid waste solution.
- Spearheaded capital campaign which led to the creation of the Union County Arts Center; recruited Merck CEO Roy Vagelos and Governor Thomas Kean to co-chair the campaign.
- Recognized by NJ Legislature and Governor as one of NJ’s “top public managers” and for “innovative technological achievements.”
- Constructed landmark Saint Peter’s College pedestrian bridge over John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
- Achieved “Green Institution” recognition.
- Commissioned and installed landmark “Saint Peter − Fisher of Men” sculpture in Jersey City and accomplished fifty-one other college construction projects.
- Attained top-ten ranking for endowment management results for all colleges and universities in the nation and earned investment grade institutional ratings.
- Created and served as publisher of “Commuter News” weekly newspaper circulating in NY/NJ devoted to mass transit issues.
- Broke fourteen-year redevelopment logjam to finally get downtown Montclair projects completed, including the Siena and the Crescent parking deck.
- Ignited stalled efforts to establish a Montclair Arts Council and appointed the founding members.
- Bay Street parking deck is completed and area redevelopment implemented.
- New Montclair logo and “brand” created.
- New website implemented.
- Montclair Township government structure reorganized.
- Completed renovations of Nishuane Park, Mountainside Park, Kaveny Field, Canterbury Park; won $800,000 grant to renovate Edgemont Pond.
- Installed computerized fuel and vehicle management system for all Township vehicles.
- Fiber optic system completed linking all Township facilities, Public Library, and Board of Education.
- Township communications switched to digital Voice over Internet technology; wired telephone lines no longer needed, creating substantial cost savings.
- Business district and other public spaces beautified, including complete rebuilding of historic South End Triangle.
- Martin Luther King Memorial successfully implemented after years of delays.
- Township Forestry Plan completed and approved by State.
- Eliminated deficit operations of Water Utility.
- Implemented new “Reverse 911” emergency notification system.
- First Night and Fourth of July events completely rejuvenated.
- New headquarters for Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Unit established.
- All Children’s Playground accomplished and dedicated June 20th, 2008.
- Modern, state-of-the-art emergency dispatch center implemented with satellite mapping and GPS, providing enhanced public safety.
- Electronic record-keeping initiated allowing government to transition to paperless operations.
- Guided community securely and safely through the largest snowstorm in the history of New Jersey (2/12/06) and freak, tornado-like “microburst” storm of 7/18/06, operating from the newly established Emergency Operations Center at Montclair Fire Headquarters.
- New, updated comprehensive Affirmative Action Plan is adopted.
- Safe Routes to Schools program initiated and first grants won.
- Enhanced COMSTAT crime analysis and prevention systems installed.
- Health Department emergency alert system implemented with direct messaging to residents’ cell phones.
- Approvals won for first-ever in New Jersey full-time rail Quiet Zone.
- Presby Iris Gardens, Clary Anderson Arena, and Township animal shelter all rescued from financial distress and secured for future viability.
- CCTV surveillance system installed for crime prevention.
- Maintained high “AA” financial rating for Montclair despite national recession.
- Lowest crime rate ever recorded in Montclair.
- Implemented numerous environmental achievements, including first municipal wind turbine in region, LED traffic signals, induction street lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems.
- Montclair officially named as New Jersey’s Municipal Clean Energy Leader.
- Over twenty miles of streets repaved and over fifteen miles of new curbs installed.
- Implemented comprehensive new digital radio communications system for all Township departments, improving system quality and public safety and allowing all public safety and other employees to cross-communicate in all situations.
- Completely revamped all Township insurance to a cost-saving joint insurance fund.
- Featured in New York Times for “progressive administration.”
- Cited in full-length Montclair Times editorial for “enriching the community” and for “leadership, guidance, and wisdom.”
…and more.
