Elliott Shemtov targets pay package and dual role under Mayor Jennifer Kuhn’s administration
Jackson, N.J. — A $300,000 salary and taxpayer-funded vehicle for Jackson’s new business administrator drew sharp criticism Tuesday from mayoral candidate Elliott Shemtov, who called the compensation package an “affront to taxpayers.”
Speaking during a township council meeting, Shemtov took aim at Business Administrator Charles Terenfenko, who is also serving as public safety director, raising concerns about cost, transparency, and past legal liabilities tied to the position.
Pay package and dual role under scrutiny
Shemtov said the administrator’s contract includes a $300,000 annual salary along with a Chevrolet Tahoe valued at about $55,000 and fuel covered by the township, significantly exceeding prior compensation levels.
“Previous business administrators were paid approximately $225,000,” Shemtov said. “Mr. Terenfenko’s contract… was written for $300,000 plus a $55,000 Chevy Tahoe with free gas.”
He also questioned the decision to combine the roles of business administrator and public safety director, citing Jackson’s past issues with the position.
“The last appointee contributed to a $2 million lawsuit settlement with the former police chief,” Shemtov said, warning the township “can’t afford to repeat these costly issues.”
Broader criticism of leadership and transparency
Shemtov, who is running for mayor, framed his remarks as criticism of the current administration led by Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, arguing that rising compensation and expanded roles send the wrong message to residents already facing higher costs.
“Residents are already struggling with taxes, rising costs. This package… sends the wrong message about how our tax dollars are being spent,” he said.
He also alleged a lack of transparency within township government, claiming that not all council members are included in key decisions.
“When the elected officials in high positions of power do not communicate with other elected officials… what are we the people supposed to expect?” Shemtov said.
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Key Points
• Mayoral candidate Elliott Shemtov criticized a $300K administrator salary
• Contract includes township-funded SUV and fuel, according to remarks
• Concerns raised over dual role and past legal costs tied to position
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Context within ongoing budget tensions
The criticism comes amid broader fiscal debates in Jackson, including recent council concerns over rising spending and delayed budget adoption.
Shemtov referenced multiple lawsuits involving the township and questioned whether the current administration has addressed underlying issues, suggesting legal exposure may be increasing.
He emphasized that his remarks were not a personal attack on the administrator but focused on policy decisions and taxpayer impact.
What happens next
No immediate action was taken by the council in response to the comments, and township officials did not publicly address the claims during the meeting segment.
The status of the administrator’s contract and compensation package remains unchanged as of April 15, with no announced revisions or formal review.
