Council appoints Schlegel manager
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

Helene Schlegel

HOWELL - Helene Schlegel has been named Howell's new township manager. The Township Council announced its decision to appoint Schlegel to the position on Nov. 27.

Schlegel has been serving as interim manager since the departure of former township manager Thomas Czerniecki in July.

Officials said Schlegel's experience as the township's deputy manager and interim manager, combined with her knowledge of Howell and her academic credentials helped her to surpass the competition.

Mayor Joseph DiBella said between 15 and 20 applications were received from candidates who expressed interest in the position.

Deputy Mayor Robert Walsh said, "there were six interviews lined up. One cancelled, two did not show up. At the end of it all we interviewed a total of three candidates."

DiBella said he "was looking for a nonpolitical manager to focus on the business of the town. Helene Schlegel is the consummate professional whose only focus was the business of the town. Her extraordinary knowledge and history of the town, her academic credentials, the fact that she rose through the ranks and her experience as (Howell's) deputy manager and interim manager put her over the top."

DiBella said Schlegel "is the right person for Howell and we are in good hands."

Council members Angela Dalton, Michael Howell and Cynthia Schomaker said they are happy to have Schlegel as the new township manager.

Walsh said he had some initial reservations, but said his opinion changed.

"I had concerns at first as to whether or not she was experienced enough to be able to handle the position as a manager. In the last four months any doubt I had is now gone. I feel comfortable we made the right decision," the deputy mayor said.

Schlegel said she is happy about her new appointment.

"I feel good and I am up for the challenge," she said, adding that "from working and living in the township, I have learned that there are a lot of challenges."

Schlegel said that upon taking over as interim manager following Czerniecki's departure she was not certain if she wanted to become Howell's manager. But after serving in that capacity, Schlegel said, she realized this was where she wanted to be.

"I felt I could do it. I felt I could make a difference," she said.

Although Schlegel said it would take everyone's support and cooperation to improve the quality of life in Howell, she plans to improve it by continuing to "maintain the financial stability, provide excellent customer service, develop and maintain a first rate work force, safe community, and to facilitate a high quality of life."