LETTER TO THE EDITOR
For the first time in many election cycles, the voters of Copake will have an opportunity to make a choice in the election of our Highway Superintendent. Highways accounts for well over 1/2 of our total Town budget. If we are to cut costs and keep taxes under control, this is an area that needs scrutiny. Bill Jamieson, the Democratic candidate, is running on the following platform:
1. OPEN RECORDS FOR ALL TO SEE
2. SAVINGS THROUGH CLOSER SUPERVISION
3. SAVINGS THROUGH A NEW TIER OF BENEFITS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES REDUCING BENEFIT
COSTS
4. DETERMINING TRUE PERSONNEL NEEDS THROUGH ATTRITION
5. REDUCING THE COSTS OF ROAD MAINTENANCE WHILE MAINTAINING SAFETY THROUGH MORE
COMPETITIVE BIDDING.
6. SHARING AND PURCHASING NEW EQUIPMENT WITH NEIGHBORING TOWNS
7. SELLING UNNECESSARY AND AGED EQUIPMENT
8. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF TRUCKS TO REDUCE REPLACEMENT COSTS
9. PASSING SAVINGS ON TO REDUCE BUDGET NEEDS IN FOLLOWING YEARS
10. LIMITING PAY RAISES TO ANNUAL COST OF LIVING INCREASES
All of these efforts to reduce costs should be reflected in reduced taxes or at lease freeing up money to restore other services. The State just announced grants to entities that share services. Why were we not one of them?
Can the Republicans make the same pledges? We'll see. I suggest that we support Bill Jamieson to give the Town a fresh look at how we spend highway money while using his 32 years of highway experience for the benefit of the Town.
1. OPEN RECORDS FOR ALL TO SEE
2. SAVINGS THROUGH CLOSER SUPERVISION
3. SAVINGS THROUGH A NEW TIER OF BENEFITS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES REDUCING BENEFIT
COSTS
4. DETERMINING TRUE PERSONNEL NEEDS THROUGH ATTRITION
5. REDUCING THE COSTS OF ROAD MAINTENANCE WHILE MAINTAINING SAFETY THROUGH MORE
COMPETITIVE BIDDING.
6. SHARING AND PURCHASING NEW EQUIPMENT WITH NEIGHBORING TOWNS
7. SELLING UNNECESSARY AND AGED EQUIPMENT
8. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF TRUCKS TO REDUCE REPLACEMENT COSTS
9. PASSING SAVINGS ON TO REDUCE BUDGET NEEDS IN FOLLOWING YEARS
10. LIMITING PAY RAISES TO ANNUAL COST OF LIVING INCREASES
All of these efforts to reduce costs should be reflected in reduced taxes or at lease freeing up money to restore other services. The State just announced grants to entities that share services. Why were we not one of them?
Can the Republicans make the same pledges? We'll see. I suggest that we support Bill Jamieson to give the Town a fresh look at how we spend highway money while using his 32 years of highway experience for the benefit of the Town.
Morris Ordover
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