310 W. Main St., Elbridge
Background Highway Superintendent for the last three years. Past Village of Elbridge board member; Trustee and Mayor over a 13-year period, responsibilities of water and DPW departments.
Occupation Highway Superintendent. The position I am seeking for re-election is a full-time position for our town. Previous employment: Self-employed which enabled me to be flexible with the village positions I held. Most elected positions take a great deal of time to do what we are elected to do.
Endorsed by Republicans, Independents, Conservatives
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?
Being in the road business residents expect a certain level of excellence year round. We continually strive to purchase smarter. Purchase new equipment only when needed or when it makes sense to provide better service or decreased cost. We have a great maintenance program which helps eliminate costly major repairs. Oil prices drive many of our highway project costs, paving, maintenance, etc. If the state continues cutting back we would first reduce major road projects and continue more in the preventative maintenance areas.
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?
We presently partner with other towns for equipment/manpower. It keeps costs down. This has been quite common in the rural areas for many years. We could not afford to rent purchase all of the needed equipment for various projects. We hope the county will continue as partners in the same way as each government has many resources. We provide to our two villages in the same way. Our salt shed and loading equipment provides for the town, villages and school district. No duplication saves dollars. I prefer the word shared services rather than consolidation. Consolidation does not work in all areas.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far in your position?
First, continuing a great tradition of service that this department is known for. We have tried new road repair/maintenance processes that will save dollars long term. Winter is our most expensive time for a few short months. New technologies are out. I have watched them and some have proven well for rural areas. We will provide cost savings in these areas. Second, I believe I am good with communication with town residents and the town board. We started a new trash program this year, which has been very successful, residents have been very pleased for the new enhanced service. More to come in these areas.
What specific projects or goals are you most interested in completing or pursuing in your next term?
We have a few major road projects to complete. This will put us in a good position for many years to utilizing preventative maintenance. It is less costly to maintain than to replace. New technologies in our industry are the future. Hopefully some will be a good fit for the town of Elbridge.
