PARSIPPANY — At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting of Tuesday, August 7, Business Administrator Ellen Sandman officially announced her retirement as of December 1, 2018.
Sandman was appointed by Former Mayor James Barberio to serve as Parsippany’s Business Administrator on June 16, 2014. Prior to joining Parsippany she was employed at Mendham Borough, where she held the same title for the previous six years, and in Denville for 22 years before that; she also served for five years as Assistant Business Administrator in Jersey City.
Sandman said “I will be retiring as of December 1. I’ve enjoyed my wonderful stay here in Parsippany. As I just said to Jasmine Lim (former Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator) I said, you know, that saying, “When you find something you love, you never work a day in your life. I did, however, paraphrase it and said maybe a couple of days I worked in Parsippany, maybe a good couple of days, but in the end it’s all about people and working together and being, being joyous in what you do.”
“As I said to Mayor Soriano, ‘You know, I’m been a Business Administrator for 44 years. Every morning when I wake up, I wake up with a sense of urgency and a sense of a dedication to what we do. It’s not always easy, but that’s the right thing to do,'” she continued.
Councilwoman Janice McCarthy said “Good colleagues are the kind of people you can learn from, share a laugh with and ask for help. Ellen is all these things.”
“I appreciate Ellen Sandman‘s four years of service as Parsippany’s Business Administrator. She was a key figure during the transition, and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors,” stated Mayor Michael Soriano.
“My association with Ellen Sandman dates back to the nineteen eighty’s when I was President of the Morris County League of Municipalities and Ellen was First Vice President. We enjoyed working together to increase networking and information sharing with leaders of all 39 Municipalities in Morris County. We interfaced with the NJ State League of Municipalities and our State Legislators, supporting legislation that benefitted Morris County and opposing legislation that did not. We interfaced often over the years that she served as Administrator and Public Safety Director in Denville. Ellen never ran out of ideas to accomplish her objectives, or to work with others to find a compromise. I have often heard Ellen State that ‘Her life’s work was not just a vocation because she loved what she was doing’. Ellen and I have had a friendship and a mutual respect for each other that spans the 35 years that we have known each other. I will be losing an outstanding Township employee, but I will still have a great friend. I wish Ellen the very best in her retirement,” said Councilman Michael dePierro.
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani said “As a council member these past three years I have witnessed Ellen’s vast knowledge and experience as Parsippany’s Business Administrator. Her dedication and professionalism throughout her career not only in Parsippany but in other municipalities is an indication of the respect she has among her peers. My husband Adam and I wish her happiness in her retirement. Ellen, May the wind always be at your back, and may the sun shine upon your face.”
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., stated “It has been a pleasure working with Ellen. I wish her well in her retirement and future endeavors.”
Township Clerk Khaled Madin said “It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Sandman. Ms. Sandman’s knowledge has made her a real asset to this town and her passion for her work and helping people is contagious and refreshing. She will be missed.”
“I’ve known Ellen for twenty years and was thrilled and honored when she contacted me to work with her at the Township of Parsippany four years ago. Her knowledge of all aspects of Municipal Government and sensitivity towards the needs all people is priceless. Not only has she been a mentor to me but a great friend. And believe me she may be retiring from Municipal Government but her endless energy will go towards making a difference in other ways,” said CFO Ann Cucci.
Former Mayor James Barberio declined to comment.
In April, New Jersey Globe reported that Sandman will be running in the June 2019 primary for Mayor of Denville.
Running for Mayor is nothing new for Sandman. She ran in 2007 against Ted Hussa in the Republican primary and lost by nine votes in a very heated campaign. During that race Sandman had the endorsement of former Mayor Gene Feyl.
The current Mayor Thomas Andes was sworn in on January 1, 2012 and his term ends December 31, 2019. He also served on the Denville Town Council Ward 1, 2000-2011 and served as Denville Council President 2007, 2008 and 2010.
“Over the past six years we have made unprecedented improvements to our downtown, towards flood mitigation, to our infrastructure, our parks system and the financial stability of our community. Although we are still in the 2018 primary election cycle, I have stated on many occasions I will be running for re-election as Denville’s Mayor as there is still much I like to accomplish in all these areas,” stated Mayor Tom Andes.
Sandman earned $130,000 in 2013 in Mendham and was hired in Parsippany for $140,000. Sandman’s salary now exceeds $160,000.
