Poll Area

Mayor Hawkins makes new appointments to fill vacancies and strengthen management team. Appoints new Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Tax Assessor. Restructures Public Works and Engineering.

The Finance Department

Chief Financial Officer, Joy Lascari
After an extensive search, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. has appointed Joy Lascari as Chief Financial Officer (C.F.O.) Ms. Lascari is presently the Acting Chief Finance Officer, Principal Account Clerk, and Certifying Finance Officer of Saddle Brook, N.J. Ms. Lascari fills the vacancy created when long time C.F.O. Jack Kelly resigned March 1. Mr. Kelly had been working part time after becoming C.F.O. of Jersey City in May 2010.

Director of Finance, John Ditinyak
Mayor Hawkins has appointed John Ditinyak as Director of Finance. Mr. Ditinyak has served as Orange’s Deputy Director of Finance since 2010. Previously, he worked as a Senior Accountant at Samuel Klein and Co, where he worked on audits of Orange among other clients.

Tax Assessor, Ryan T. Riccio
Mayor Hawkins has appointed Ryan T. Riccio as Tax Assessor. Mr. Riccio has served as Tax Assessor for Montgomery and South Brunswick, N.J. and as Assistant Tax Assessor for Old Bridge, N.J. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Orange Tax Assessor Brigida Caruso and will serve in a part time capacity.

The three appointments were approved by the City Council at its June 21st Meeting.

Because long time finance officials at higher salaries and benefits are being replaced by officials at lower salaries and wages, the Finance Department salary and wage budget in FY 11 is $240,000 vs. $476,000 in FY10, leaving the City with an approximate $150,000 savings in Finance Department salary and wages budget going into the transition year 6 month budget which will begin on July 1, 2011.  

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Over the past year, the loss of CFO Jack Kelly and the retirement of key finance personnel have hampered the important work of the Finance Department. The department has also been handicapped by antiquated computer and software systems. The appointment of three experienced and talented municipal finance professionals combined with the deployment of new accounting software and computer systems will make Orange’s finances second to none. I am confidant that now, with adequate staffing, our new financial leadership team will be able to implement the findings and recommendations of the FY10 Audit Report.”

Public Works and Engineering

As development in Orange has accelerated, it is no longer possible to operate cost-effectively with a part time City Engineer. In order to avert increased outsourcing of engineering work, Mayor Hawkins has made the status of Municipal Engineer Arlene Kemp full time.  Ms. Kemp’s position as Director of Public Works will be filled by Mayor Hawkins’ appointment of Calvin Bell who has been promoted to Acting Director of Public Works.

Acting Director of Public Works, Calvin Bell
R. Calvin Bell has served as Orange’s Deputy Director of Public Works since 2009 supervising the Public Works staff and serving as Recycling Coordinator and a Quality of Life Task Force leader. Previously, he was the owner of an East Orange contracting company.

Ms. Kemp will continue to receive her present compensation. Mr. Bell will receive a $19,000 salary increase in his new position.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Arlene Kemp has done a wonderful job as our Director of Public Works, and I am deeply appreciative for her service. Arlene’s workload in the dual positions of Public Works Director and Municipal Engineer has become more than any one person can reasonably handle so I am elevating her to full time status as Municipal Engineer. I am confident that Calvin Bell will competently and effectively carry on Arlene’s good leadership in the Public Works Department.”

Note: The staffing changes discussed in this release will result in a total annual savings of $130,000 compared to the salaries and benefits budgeted last year for those functions.

Resumes Attached