Camden will get new Chief Operating Officer
Monday, August 31st, 2009
By: Elizabeth Fiedler
efiedler@whyy.org
Running a city isn't easy, especially when that metropolis is Camden, New Jersey which has struggled with a high crime rate and problems within local government. Monday is the last day on the job for the city's Chief Operating Officer, Judge Theodore Davis. Governor Corzine says he will have his replacement named no later than today.
The Chief Operating Officer's job might not be easy, but Rutgers-Camden political science professor Richard Harris says for someone with the right mix of leadership and skills, the position could offer a chance to really make a difference.
Harris: There are exciting things happening on the ground in the city of Camden. The redevelopment plans in Cooper Landing Square on Cramer Hill, in north Camden there's a lot of work that's already been done and it looks like things in those neighborhoods are moving in a really positive direction and somebody could see this as an opportunity to drive those projects to conclusion.
The job will still include plenty of challenges. Outgoing C.O.O. Judge Davis has said after paying salaries and wages, not enough remained in the city's budget to push Camden toward recovery.