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Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Agency seeking new executive director as it tries to finalize land-use rules BY COLLEEN O'DEA DAILY RECORD CHESTER TWP. -- The New Jersey Highlands Council on Tuesday formally announced a search for a new executive director as Dante DiPirro's resignation from that position became official. Director of the council for the last year, and its deputy director before that, DiPirro is leaving to "pursue a new opportunity" that was not specified in a news release from the council. It's also unclear when his resignation will become effective. DiPirro could not be reached for comment. DiPirro's resignation had been rumored since the middle of last week. Several sources close to the council tied DiPirro's departure to Gov. Jon Corzine's unhappiness with delays in the release of the Highlands regional master plan and related data. A Corzine spokesman would not comment. The law creating the 860,000-acre Highlands region, which includes much of Morris County, and the council called for the adoption of a plan by last June. With DiPirro's resignation official, the council announced that a search for his replacement will begin immediately. The council wants to move quickly, saying it will accept applications through March 19. "Dante has been an important leader in the Highlands preservation initiative since the creation of the governor's Highlands Task Force in 2003," said John Weingart, the council's chairman. Council vice chairman Jack Schrier of Mendham Township praised DiPirro as "one of the finest state officials I have worked with" and said he was effective at working with local officials and communicating with the public. "Dante understands that the Highlands plan is more than just another regulatory document; it is -- and should be -- a public policy plan that profoundly affects many, many people and families in the region," Schrier said. "Dante put a lot of effort into helping the council try to achieve that delicate balance." Weingart said Tom Borden, the deputy director, will serve as acting director, providing a "smooth transition" until the council chooses a permanent replacement. Sources said Eileen Swan, head of the state Office of Smart Growth and a former council member, is a leading candidate for the position. The council's first executive director, Adam Zellner, served as head of the OSG before starting up the council's operations in late 2004. He is now a deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. Borden joined the council in 2005 as its chief counsel and has served as its deputy director for the last year. It's unclear how the staff changes may affect the council's timeframe for adopting a master plan for the region. Its final public hearing on the plan is scheduled for March 21, at 5 p.m. at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. The public comment period will end April 2. The council is seeking candidates with extensive land use and regional planning background, experience with multiple levels of government, and exceptional leadership skills. Applications can be submitted to ExecSearch@highlands.state.nj.us. For more information about the council or its draft plan, go to www.highlands.state.nj.us. Colleen O'Dea can be reached at (973) 428-6655 or codea@gannett.com. |