Council, Coworkers Comment on Forrest's Resignation

As Patch reported last week, David Forrest, Norristown's Municipal Administrator, announced his resignation on Friday, Jan. 25. Forrest, who has been on the job for nearly six years, is leaving to take a new position in Canandaigua, a small city in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York with a population of just over 10,000. His last day will be Feb. 28.

Forrest told The Times Herald that he counts the reorganization of Norristown's code department and the launch of the Norristown Arts Hill among the work he's proud of in his time here.

Several coworkers and member of Norristown's municipal council spoke to Patch about Forrest's departure and plans to replace him.

"Dave has served this community with a special zeal and dedication," wrote Council President Gary Simpson in an email to Patch. "... I believe that this is something which is good for him and his family. Dave has logged many hours while working here for this municipality and he has at times neglected to take a raise to promote the hiring of others. I believe his 'team first' attitude is a fine attribute and his new employer will be lucky to have him."

"I am just hoping that he does not get bored with the slower pace," Simpson joked.

Simpson noted that council would have to meet to discuss replacing Forrest and declined to comment on any current plans. In the most recent past, Norristown Police Chief Russell Bono filled the position as an interim administrator in 2006-07, while council conducted a search. However, Chief Bono is retiring on Feb. 28 as well. 

"I think an interim is likely and I think the human resources are there to do that," said Councilman Marlon Millner, co-chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Millner noted that at least one council member, Councilwoman Cathy Lawrence, was serving during the last search and her knowledge and experience would help inform the current decision.

According to the Herald, Forrest's annual salary was $109,000.

Millner applauded Forrest's work in Norristown and wished him well in his new endeavor. 

"Dave's a hard worker and he tried to do the right thing," he said. "He came into an incredibly difficult set of circumstances. He wanted a challenge and that's why he took the job... I commend him for the hard work he did. I wish him well in whatever his future endeavors are."

Doug Seiler, an architect with Norristown-based , commented on Forrest's contribution to the community.

"Your tenure has been a bright spot in Norristown’s history and the town is better off because of your hard work and energy," Seiler wrote in an open letter to Forrest.

Sandy Grubb, who has worked alongside Forrest as executive assistant during his tenure, had similar praise for her soon-to-be-former coworker.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Dave," Grubb wrote in an email to Patch. "He is a true professional and a gentleman. I wish him the very best in his new job and I will miss him. He is 'good people.'"

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Norristown Municipal Administrator Dave Forrest Resigns