Harrison Manager John Pallone resigns after 6 months

Harrison Manager John Pallone has resigned after six months on the job.

Pallone, a former five-term state legislator and superintendent of the New Kensington-Arnold School District, was not immediately available for comment.

The township commissioners accepted his resignation during their meeting Monday.

At least one commissioner said he believes Pallone was working for the betterment of the township.

Eric Bengel said Pallone “was doing what he was hired to do and what he and the board had agreed upon.

“I felt that his performance as manager was satisfactory, and that he was getting work done and that the township was being well managed.”

Bengel added: “It was a mistake for the majority of the board of commissioners to not work with Mr. Pallone to find common ground in his management of the township.”

Pallone was hired unanimously in March at a salary of $80,000 a year. He was to serve as manager, chief administrative officer of Harrison’s police pension fund, the nonuniformed pension fund and as the township’s Right-To-Know officer.

Until a replacement is hired, longtime township secretary Susan Motosicky will run daily operations.

It was unclear whether the board will hire a consultant to assist with a search for a new manager.

Commissioner Jim Erb said he is looking forward to moving on and hiring a full-time manager.

“Someone that is willing to put in at least 40 hours a week,” he said. “Harrison needs a manager that wants to be the leader of the staff, residents, businesses and organizations within our community.”

Commissioner Chuck Dizard declined to comment.

Commissioners Gary Meanor and Jamie Nee did not respond to requests for comment.