Another top official exits Jackson Township as internal email disputes firing
JACKSON, N.J. – A top Jackson Township official is departing amid ongoing internal turmoil, with the township’s human resources director disputing her termination in a message sent to all employees ahead of her final day. The move marks the latest shakeup under Mayor Jennifer Kuhn’s administration, which is facing mounting scrutiny and multiple workplace-related lawsuits.
Vashti Kishore, who served as Personnel Officer and Public Relations Officer, confirmed her employment will end Saturday, writing in an email to staff that the administration determined her role was “not the ‘best overall fit.’” Kishore challenged that explanation and the classification of her position as temporary.
“I would like to state on record, that I strongly disagree with both the characterization of my position as temporary and the basis for this decision,” Kishore wrote. “I was not made aware of any performance concerns, nor have I engaged in any conduct that would justify the conclusion of my employment.”
Disputed termination outlined in email to staff
Kishore said she was informed her position would not be made permanent following what township officials described as a provisional appointment set to end April 5. In a March 26 email included in her message, township legal counsel wrote, “Upon the conclusion of your provisional appointment on April 5, you will not be appointed to the permanent position. After careful consideration, it has been determined that the position is not the best overall fit at this time.”
Kishore also revealed she was offered an alternative role as Payroll Supervisor but declined. “This role falls outside my experience, proficiencies, and qualifications, and entails a significant reduction in salary,” she wrote. “Acceptance of this position would, in my view, imply acknowledgment of wrong doing, where none existed and a disservice to the Township.”
Key Points
- Jackson Township HR director Vashti Kishore to leave position effective Saturday
- Kishore disputes claim her role was temporary and rejects alternative position
- Administration turmoil grows as multiple lawsuits and staffing changes continue
The departure comes as Mayor Kuhn’s administration continues to face internal upheaval. Officials have not publicly detailed the reasons behind multiple personnel changes in recent months.
Additional changes and legal pressures mount
Sources and internal communications indicate another staffing adjustment includes Sandra Martin receiving a $40,000 stipend tied to an expanded role, though township officials have not publicly elaborated on the scope of those duties.
Jackson Township is also facing multiple lawsuits from current and former employees alleging hostile work environments, adding to pressure on the administration as leadership changes continue.
Elliott ShemTov, who is running for mayor against Kuhn this year has criticized the mayor’s management, adding that he believes more lawsuits are coming because of the way the mayor is running town hall since being appointed after the ouster of Mayor Michael Reina.
“You don’t run town hall like a fascist. You run it like a successful business executive,” ShemTov said.
Kishore, who previously served the township from 2017 to 2022 before returning during what she described as a “particularly tumultuous period,” ended her message by directing employees to route personnel matters to the administrative office following her departure.
