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Road to recognition can be temporary
(by David Jimenez - April 16, 2008)
In appreciation for years of loyal service, some government officials get their names placed on permanent markers on a building, statue or park. Denville’s former business administrator, Ellen Sandman, who narrowly missed becoming the town’s mayor, will get a driveway named for her, an honor that could last far less than the 22 years she gave to the community.
“Putting the name of recently retired employees on municipal driveways is a town tradition dating back approximately 20 years,” said Donna Costello, Denville’s municipal clerk. “Since its inception, more than 20 names have appeared on the same two road posts: one near the municipal building entrance and the other near the police station, both roadways lead into the town’s parking lot.”
“Sandman Place, named in Ellen’s honor, could be bumped in a week,” Costello said. Previous honorees included Machuga Way, named after Patty Machuga, town purchasing agent, “that one lasted about two years,” Costello said, preceding Harper Lane, named after Gin Harper, former deputy clerk.
At the rear entrance, near the police department, Wwe had three name changes in one month,” she said. “As a new name plate went up, we gave the old sign to the individual it was named after,” she said.
No telling how long Sandman Place will survive. The parking lot is still under construction, the last major piece to be completed in a multi-million dollar municipal building complex that started more than two years ago.
Sandman now serves as the town administrator for Mendham Borough.
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