Emmaus manager Craig Neely resigns

FROM THE MORNING CALL

Emmaus Borough Manager Craig Neely announced his resignation Monday, ending 13 years of elected and appointed service to the borough.

Neely read his resignation letter aloud at the public meeting, saying he enjoyed himself but decided it was time for his public service to end.

"Public service is a daunting task for the conscientious," he said. "Worrying about the health, safety and welfare of the 11,300 residents, thousands of employed persons and innumerable visitors can be tiresome."


Councilman Michael Waddell thanked Neely for his service to the community.

"You love it, you care about it, you put your heart and soul into it," Waddell said. "I don't think we're seeing the last of you."

Neely asked council to refrain from immediately accepting his resignation because he may continue on a part-time or hourly basis to assist the borough through the end of the year.

Neely, an attorney, was hired as manager in January 2009 after serving eleven years as an elected borough councilman beginning in 1998.

He said he ran for office to fight negativity in the town. He became manager following the resignation of longtime manager Bruce Fosselman, who left the post in 2008 to take the manager position at Lower Macungie Township.

A temporary manager filled the position for months until Neely resigned from council and was appointed manager at a salary of $80,000 a year, taking over during a severe financial crisis.

Neely said it's satisfying to know his public service has made a difference. He called the borough staff a credit to Emmaus and said the quality of life in the town is unparalleled in the Lehigh Valley.

Mayor Winfield Iobst wished Neely well . The two began serving Emmaus the same year.

"We came in together and I'm sure we grew together," Iobst said. "I wish a great future for you."

Neely said he will be eternally grateful for his chance to serve the public.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-emmaus-manager-resigns-20111108,0,5778783.story