2516 Scotch Hill Road, Marcellus
Background Highway Superintendent—Town of Marcellus 2004-present, Deputy Highway Superintendent—Town of Marcellus 1990-2003, Heavy Equipment Operator—Town of Marcellus 1987-1990.
Occupation Highway Superintendent, town of Marcellus.
Endorsed by Republicans, Independents
Given the current economy and budget crises at the state and county levels, which areas of the budget do you feel the town could cut back to alleviate the pressure on taxpayers?
In my six years as Superintendent, the Highway Dept. has not gone over its allotted budget. The only budget line increases have been related to the fluctuating fuel & salt costs and employee wages/benefits. I utilize state and county bid contracts for equipment, fuel, and aggregates purchasing to keep costs down. Several of our highway projects have been funded by federal and state grants at no cost to Marcellus taxpayers. I will continue to seek grants to fund our local projects as well as working together with neighboring towns/villages to hold the budget line as I did in the 2010 budget.
In what ways do you think the town could consolidate services with villages, neighboring towns or the county to increase efficiency and keep costs down?
Consolidation seems to be the “buzz word” of 2009. Ironically, for the past 6 years we have been working together with the surrounding towns, villages, the county and state D.O.T’s, Marcellus Schools, Marcellus Park, and the Marcellus Fire Department to keep costs down. For example, we have worked with the MFD and Marcellus Park in snow removal, construction of playgrounds, basketball courts, and pavilions as well as tree removal, and drainage issues. We continue to share services and equipment with the surrounding towns and villages as well. Additionally, I’ve met with Onondaga County reps who are looking to replicate some of our snow removal strategies to curb county costs.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far in your position?
First and foremost would be the enhanced and open communication between myself, the town board and Marcellus taxpayers. I am always ready and available to listen to highway concerns from the people of Marcellus and do my best to alleviate their issues.
A close second would be the condition and maintenance of the town’s roads. I’ve worked to make sure every town road is in good condition. Some of this was made possible through grants such as the Limerick/East Maple paving/drainage project and various others.
What specific projects or goals are you most interested in completing or pursuing in your next term?
Our next project is to mill and pave Sevier Road. Then we will be resurfacing the streets in the Knolls. We will also be looking to improve drainage throughout the town without raising the town highway taxes.
As always, my number one goal is the safety of the Marcellus residents especially throughout our long snowy winters.
