Galloway, Absecon Will Temporarily Share Part-Time Clerk

The term Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy has been using to describe the situation with the Clerk’s Office doesn’t really apply to what the township is doing; it’s not technically a shared services agreement.

However, one person will be doing two part-time jobs for two different municipalities.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 16, the day after current Township Clerk Kimberley Hodsdon departs to resume her position as Human Resources Director in Wildwood, Absecon’s part-time deputy clerk, Leticia M. Loeser, will also serve as part-time clerk in Galloway.

A resolution designating her as part-time clerk in Galloway was unanimously approved at the council meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 14.

She will split her work week between Galloway and Absecon while the township conducts its search for a new clerk, which council is hoping takes no more than two or three weeks.

When Loeser isn’t in the office, the township said Pamela Alleyne, the administrator for both the Planning and Zoning boards, will be able to help in the interim.

“We will be in contact with Kim if we have any issues, and we also have (Township Solicitor Michael) Blee as a backup,” Interim Acting Township Manager Arch Liston said.

Council members stressed this is only a temporary solution.

The need for a temporary clerk was brought about at the end of January, when Hodsdon turned in her resignation because she intended to return to her previous position in Wildwood, which has remained vacant since she took became Galloway Township Clerk on Oct. 4.

Hodsdon came to Galloway following the departure of Lisa Tilton, who reached an agreement with the township to resign in July. She has since filed $9 million worth of tort claims against the township, the Galloway Republican Club, the Atlantic County Board of Elections and the county.

Hodsdon’s last day as clerk was initially scheduled for last Friday, Feb. 10, but she agreed to remain as clerk through Wednesday so she could be available for Tuesday night’s council meeting.

An advertisement for the full-time position has been posted, including one on the League of Municipalities’ web site, which can be found here.

Loeser has been a part-time deputy clerk in Absecon for two years. Carie A. Crone is Absecon's full-time clerk.