The retirement announcements of two Township officials, Princeton Township Administrator Jim Pascale, and Police Chief Bob Buchanan, made the news last week.

Mr. Pascale’s retirement comes after 30 years of service to the Princeton community. His last day on the job will be March 30, although he will continue to receive compensation for accumulated time and benefits until December 31.

Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Monzo will assume Mr. Pascale’s duties.

Mr. Buchanan became Chief of Police a little over a year ago after the resignation of Mark Emann, who stepped down after being accused of selling an antique gun owned by the police department to buy arms for personal use. Mr. Buchanan has logged 31 years with the Princeton Township Police Department as a patrolman, a detective, a sergeant, and captain. His last day will be March 30 and, like Mr. Pascale, he will continue to receive compensation for accumulated time and benefits.

An official replacement for Mr. Buchanan has not yet been named.

Neither retirement was attributed to ongoing preparations to merge the Township and the Borough.

Ms. Monzo’s background is in finance administration. “Because that usually encompasses so many areas of government, this is a natural progression for me to move to this administrative position,” she commented. “The fact that Jim has been in this position for almost 30 years is testimony to the type of administrator he is. It is very unusual to stay in this position for that length of time. He has been a wonderful mentor.

“I’m sure my management style is different than his, but in my years here I have established a good working relationship with staff here in the Township, and with our counterparts in the Borough,” she added. “I have also worked extensively with both governing bodies, with the budget and capital items, with Joint Finance Committee, and previously with the Joint Issues Committee.”

Ms. Monzo reported that her “entire focus” at the moment is on “continuing the smooth transition to a consolidated Princeton, while maintaining stability in the Township on everyday issues. -Taking it one day at a time is the best approach right now.”

“As far as my role in the new Princeton is concerned I just know that I want to be a part of it, and my role will become clear to everyone as we approach that time,” she observed.