By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — It may be a slightly new team, but the faces are familiar.
New appointments have been the order of the day since Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack took the oath of office after ousting incumbent Gerald Brown in last month’s general election. Stack, who served as the city’s clerk for 26 years before resigning to run against Brown, looked to within the city administration for new appointments.
“I felt there needed to be changes,” Stack said. “You have to make sure everyone’s going to work as a team and that the employees want to work as a team.”
New appointments include former Deputy Police Chief James Nardone taking over for Chief William Lilienthal, and the promotion of Joann Perna to Parks and Recreation Director. Perna most recently served as the department’s assistant director after 26 years with the city, and will replace Pat Hawkins, who retired after 14 years of service.
Of immediate concern to Perna is reorganizing staff responsibilities, getting her team in place and, “not letting things fall through the cracks.”
Nardone, with more than 20 years on the Trenton force, said he anticipates no significant changes within the police department, and will first take a look at where things stand within the staff, community and local businesses.
Stack has until Dec. 14 to confirm mayoral appointments. Bruce Vick will continue as Fire Chief, Bill Hogan as City Engineer, and Paul Haley as Emergency Management Coordinator.
“We’re moving upward and onward,” Stack said, “and doing good things here.”