Meet the New Township Manager of Scotch Plains

Last week the Township of Scotch Plains appointed Henry Underhill as the new Municipal Manager.

For the past several months, Zoning Officer, Robert LaCosta and Township Clerk, Bonnie Lacina, were co-acting as the municipal managers for Scotch Plains. 

At the Sept. 18 Scotch Plains Council Meeting, the council congratulated Underhill and thanked LaCosta and Lacina for the great work they did in the meantime.

Underhill has been employed in municipal government since 1979. He has worked in towns such as, Irvington, Chatham Borough, Sparta Township and Little Falls.

Although Underhill noted he does not have specific goals or initiatives on his agenda as of now, he plans on reviewing all aspects of government and then seeing what changes need to be made.

However, his overall goal is to make sure the municipal staff work as a team and to provide the best services possible to the town.  

"Of course costs are always an issue and part of my review will be conducted during the annual budget preparation process," Underhill said.

One issue on Underhill's plate right from his start is the process of merging the police departments of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, which he said is one of the top priorities.

Previous to being hired for Scotch Plains, Underhill served briefly as the business administrator in Little Falls.

Underhill stated that he prefers the manager system because his years of experience can be best utilized in this position.

" I have always tried to improve the municipal operation that I am
working for," Underhill said.  "It is exciting to have the opportunity to review the
Scotch Plains operation and determine what can be achieved."