A new chief for HEDC, but also a new 'czar'

Friday, September 28, 2007
By EARL MORGAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITERS

KEN THORBOURNE

The administrative turntable made another revolution yesterday when Carl Czaplicki, former chief of staff to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, was named head of the city's Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce.

Czaplicki's appointment became official with an all but unanimous vote from the Jersey City City Council. But, there's new wrinkle. Healy has created a new position, naming Rosemary McFadden to the post of deputy mayor to serve as an "economic czar" for the city.

A statement released by the Mayor's Office said McFadden will have full authority to ensure that all the HEDC entities are coordinating their efforts appropriately and that the city is doing all that it can to make itself attractive to new businesses and development.

Prior to the McFadden appointment, that mission was supposedly the brief of the HEDC director. Sources said McFadden, who is a lawyer, is taking the job for $1 a year

McFadden is the widow of Jersey City attorney Brian Doherty, whose practice represented a number of real estate developers.

McFadden has held a number of prestigious positions, including president and CEO of the New York Mercantile Exchange. She was also a member of the Liberty Healthcare board of directors, as well as a member of Gov. Jon Corzine's Independent Authorities Task Force and Corzine's Economic Growth Council.

Healy's decision to appoint Ms. McFadden as a deputy mayor overseeing economic development is based on a recommendation of his council of economic advisors, the statement said.

The HEDC director's position has been vacant since Barbara Netchert resigned to make a successful run for Hudson County clerk.

As Healy's chief of staff Czaplicki earned $100,842 annually. With his promotion, Czaplicki will take home $107,000 yearly. Deputy Chief of Staff Dominick Pandolfo will replace Czaplicki as Healy's chief of staff.