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Hudson County caucus hears questions about selection of new county engineer
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a resolution to confirm Mark W. Kataryniak as Hudson County Engineer after staff said the county advertised the role, interviewed three candidates and checked references. Commissioner William O'Dea pressed staff about whether internal candidates were considered and asked for interview and reference details.
Mark W. Kataryniak was presented for confirmation as Hudson County Engineer during the Board of County Commissioners' April 22 caucus, prompting questions from commissioners about the hiring process and whether qualified in‑house candidates were considered.
Commissioner William O'Dea asked directly whether the appointee "currently doesn't work for the County, correct?" County administration staff confirmed Kataryniak was an external hire. County staff said the position was advertised and that seven applications were received; three candidates were interviewed, including an assistant county engineer and two external candidates. Tom Malavasi, who described the interview process, said the assistant candidate "wasn't fully interested in the job" and that references for Kataryniak checked "very highly."
Kataryniak, introduced by staff and attending the caucus, summarized his background: "No, I do not. I have most—about 25 years at that time was in private consulting, working for government contracts. I have about 10 years in the government system." He told the board he has served in municipal engineering roles including Edison and East Brunswick and described the relative capital budgets of those municipalities when asked by commissioners.
Commissioners did not record a formal vote during the caucus transcript. The resolution was sponsored and seconded on the floor; County staff and several commissioners framed the exchange as part of routine confirmation procedures. Commissioner Albert Cifelli noted Kataryniak's experience when comparing resumes and referenced firms the candidate has worked with.
Why it matters: A county engineer oversees public‑works design and capital projects that affect roads, bridges and stormwater systems. Commissioners asked procedural questions intended to document the search, whether internal candidates were considered and what reference checks and interviews took place before recommending an external hire.
What comes next: The caucus record shows the matter was placed on the board's agenda for consideration; the transcript does not record a final adoptive vote. The board's formal adoption minutes or next public meeting record should note the outcome and any additional documentation on interviews or reference checks if the appointment proceeds.
