Vanderziel Honored at Final Township Council Meeting

Before Manchester's adjourned on Nov. 28, Council President Craig Wallis asked Kenneth Vanderziel to complete one last task — make a motion of adjournment.

Vanderziel, that he is leaving his position as councilman on Nov. 30, paused for a moment before he complied, ending his final meeting on the council he first began serving over 20 years ago. 

"I'm going to say goodbye, good luck and I look forward to hearing about the good things that go on here," said Vanderziel, 88, moments earlier during his council report.

Those in attendance, including Mayor Michael Fressola, Vanderziel's family and countless township employees, shared stories and praise as they said farewell to a man who served his country and township.

"Ken, in addition to being our township hero, was a World War II hero," Fressola said of Vanderziel, who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Fressola then read a proclamation in honor of the outgoing councilman, complimenting him for his work in recovering Manchester from corruption in the early 1990s.

"In recognition of his outstanding service, proclaim the week of Dec. 4, 2011, as Ken Vanderziel Week in Manchester Township," Fressola said. 

Vanderziel joined the local government in 1990 as part of Stop Tax Oppression Properly, the group that formed to overthrow a corrupt government in Manchester and help usher in a nonpartisan political system. Vanderziel, along with a team of experts from the state, then helped to reorganize Manchester's government back to financial stability, Fressola said.

Fressola said that he has known the councilman and worked closely with him for nearly 25 years. 

"He's been my mentor for a lot of years and has taught me a lot about this business," he said. "He's indicated that even though he's retired, he's not going away."

As each councilman addressed Vanderziel, a common thread was repeated — they respect his knowledge of Manchester and ability to get work done.

"He's been a tremendous individual," Wallis said. "He does things because he thinks it's the right thing to do. He helps people however he can and he's been a mentor to a lot of us."

"He has so much knowledge and experience," Wallis said. "He's going to be missed."

Township Clerk Sabina Skibo said that she has known and worked with Vanderziel for 24 years.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with you," she said.

Vanderziel in turn offered praise for the colleagues he is leaving.

"They're very loyal and very competent, even beyond expectation at times," he said. "I've been very happy and very lucky to be in a position like I have and to have worked with such people."

The council and mayor presented Vanderziel with Manchester's flag, neatly folded in a display case, as a retirement gift.

Manchester residents also stepped up to say goodbye.

"From the public, I'd like to thank you for your service," said Hank Glen. "You've helped me a lot, too, with a lot of my problems, beating your head against the wall."

Elio Mancini, a friend who has golfed with Vanderziel, called him "a walking encyclopedia of information" who could recall township facts with ease. But beyond his public service, Mancini said that he was able to see another side of the councilman. 

"The thing that I cherish most is that I consider you a personal friend," he said.

Vanderziel served on the Manchester Township Council from 1990 to 2002, and then took time away from the governing body. He returned to the council on July 1, 2004, also serving three years as council president.

Deputy Clerk Jodi Pellicano said that the Township Council will examine the resumes which are sent in, and a vote from the governing body will later affirm their choice for Vanderziel’s successor.

Council President Craig Wallis said that four resumes have been submitted and two candidates have already been interviewed. 

"There are four outstanding individuals," Wallis said. "It's going to be a tough choice."

Vanderziel's replacement is expected to be named at the council's next regular meeting on Dec. 12.