Morgan

Morgan

Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

After just under six months on the job, Luzerne County Election Director Bob Morgan has resigned to accept another position outside county government, county Acting Manager Romilda Crocamo told council by email Monday.

Morgan’s departure comes as the county is preparing for the Nov. 2 general election.

“He is pursuing another employment opportunity outside of the area. Although Mr. Morgan has been with the county a short period of time, he has made a significant contribution. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” Crocamo wrote.

Morgan, of Fairview Township, will leave county employment on Oct. 8, Crocamo said. He received $64,500 per year as election director.

Crocamo said an interim plan is still under development to oversee the election bureau until a new director is hired.

When prior election director Shelby Watchilla resigned in December to accept a private-sector position, the deputy election director position also was vacant. Veteran election bureau staffer Andrea Hill had served as interim director before Morgan was hired and did not apply for the permanent position.

But this time, the county has a deputy election director: Eryn Harvey. She started working as deputy at $42,000 annually in March. Harvey had most recently worked in a media/constituent relations position for state Sen. John Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, and was previously employed at WYLN News, Entercom Communications and WBRE –TV.

Crocamo also retained a consultant — The Elections Group — for $70,000 last month to help the understaffed bureau improve election procedures and protocols and provide assistance through the upcoming general.

The bureau is allotted six full-time staffers: a director, deputy director and four administrative assistants.

As required under council’s administrative code, the county manager selects the election director but must consult with the five-citizen county Election Board before reaching a decision.

Morgan could not be reached for comment on his career plans.

Before joining the county on April 5, the 58-year-old had most recently worked as deputy chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, and previously had an extensive career in the financial sector working for PNC Investments and Smith Barney, prior county manager C. David Pedri had said when announcing the appointment.

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.