Changing of the guard also a homecoming N.J. native returns to become Ocean Twp. mgr. BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent Andrew G. Brannen OCEAN TOWNSHIP - For new Township Manager Andrew G. Brannen, returning to New Jersey is a homecoming. "I'm from Cape May County," Brannen said in an interview last week, "and am very excited about returning to the state with my wife and kids." Brannen said that as a child, his family had a summer business, which prevented him from enjoying other communities in the state. "I didn't really have a chance to enjoy other communities, but I am hearing from so many people how great Ocean Township is," he said. Brannen will actually be living in the township and will start as manager on Aug. 20, succeeding longtime manager David R. Kochel, who recently retired after 20 years of service. "I have been with Dave for 16 years," commented Mayor William F. Larkin, "and he has taught me how to be a good mayor. He is going to be missed greatly." Larkin credited Kochel for the 13-year stability of the municipal tax rate and said, "Dave Kochel knew every blade of grass in the township. Andrew has his work cut out for him, and it is important he get to know the township." Brannen is also impressed with Kochel. "He seems like a great guy. The only problem is that I'm a Notre Dame graduate, and Dave is a Pennsylvania State University graduate. That is a problem where football is concerned," chided Brannen. Brannen currently serves as manager for the City of Princeton, Ill., a position he has held for five years. "This is a wonderful community, about one-and-a-half hours away from the suburbs of Chicago. I am going to miss it," he said. As much as he will miss the community of Princeton, Brannen said he was attracted to Ocean Township because of its history of stable tax rates and effective municipal leadership. "Mayor Larkin is extremely impressive," he said. Commenting on similarities between the two places, Brannen said they actually have similar characteristics. "It's the community spirit," he said, "and the high expectations from residents of their government." Brannen also compared one council to the other favorably. "The council and mayor in Princeton are adamant about controlling taxes, which was always a priority. We have found efficiencies and reorganized ourselves when necessary, while not reducing the levels of service. Ocean Township has done the same," he said. The one difference between the communities that Brannen noted is the availability of land and open space. "This is an exact opposite from where I'm going, and clearly that will be a challenge to me," he said. Brannen said part of his responsibility in Princeton was to attract new industry to the Interstate 80 corridor, "where there is so much land." He observed that is not the case here. As township manager, Brannen feels that it's more important to have good interpersonal skills and to be objective. "A lot of people will want to express opinions and propose ideas. It will be my job to be a good listener and to filter through those ideas," he said. Brannen also mentioned that objectivity is crucial. "Dave Kochel absolutely excelled at this," Brannen said, "and sometimes a manager just has to deliver bad news to people. I will have to do the research and then present an analysis." Kochel expressed confidence in the new hire. "Andrew has impressed me as not only an exceedingly competent individual, but also as someone with excellent interpersonal skills," Kochel said. Brannen already has plans for his first day on the job. "The first order of business will be a meet-and-greet line in the morning, so I can get to know everybody I am working with. There will also be one in the afternoon," he said. Brannen earned an undergraduate degree in government from Notre Dame University, a master's degree in business administration from the University of Illinois Graduate College, and a master's degree in public administration from Ohio State University School of Public Policy and Management.