---

City Engineer Joseph Cunha’s last day on the job was Friday and his departure appears not to be a happy one, according to an email he sent to city hall coworkers and community leaders.

“It has always been my firm belief that the greater good shall ultimately prevail in times of woe as evidenced by our history,” wrote Cunha, who held the post more than three years and also served as director of the Department of Public Works. “Despite the delusional ideals of a very select few wielding immense power, personal vendettas and cleverly hidden agendas shall always be trumped by the collective will of a community’s fabric…..its truly good natured people.”

“So too will this enchanted little City, certainly not without its own despots, continue to rise up, rejuvenate and regain its rightful place as the crowning jewel of the Jersey shore!” he said.

Mayor John Moor declined comment, stating this is a personnel matter. Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn also declined comment. The city’s consulting engineer, T and M Associates, will be serving in Cunha’s place at this time, she said.

Cunha declined to identify the individuals he was criticizing for legal reasons. But he did email the following statement in response to the Sun’s follow-up request for additional comment and details:

My departure was not by my choice. I was informed in writing on May 14th that my official position of City Engineer will not be reincorporated into the newly adopted City ordinances and that my last day of employment with the City would be May 15th. As you may know the Council had previously decided to outsource by contract all of the City Engineer’s duties to a private consulting firm.

My DPW Director duties and the needs of the department have predominantly commanded the lion’s share of my attention, time and overall efforts while working for the City. My removal from these duties was in no way related to any perceived, implied or misconstrued sentiment of disapproval for my performance by the greater constituency of the City, as evidenced by my established good rapport with them. Unfortunately I must decline all further comments relative to those duties and the future of said position at this time for legal reasons.

I cannot name any of the alluded to despots directly, also for legal reasons.

I will use this forced time off of work as beneficial time spent enjoying my young family and bonding with my two month old son, while I reflect on my future career ideals.

In his farewell email to coworkers and community leaders, Cunha did have positive comments about residents, business owners and visitors to the city.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent serving the residents, business owners and visitors of the City of Asbury Park for the past 3+ years,” wrote Cunha. “I have cherished and greatly appreciate how each one of you have impacted my life and career, in both good and bad times, as all encounters have helped me to progress my career experience and life wisdom positively. I shall continue to be available to you all as in the past…”

———————————

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

---