Letter To The Editor – Highway Department Heros

submitted 9/20
To the Editor:
Hurricane Irene dealt the Capital District and Rensselaer County a terrible blow on Sunday, August 28. As many stayed hunkered down in the comfort of their homes those on the west side of Grafton were struggling to preserve their life-long possessions and wondering where they could go if told to evacuate. The shining light amongst all of the uncertainty on the west end was the Town of Grafton Highway Department. How do I know this? My husband witnessed the actions of both the Grafton Highway Department and local citizens assisting with preventing a disaster on his way to a work related emergency. My husband’s half-hearted description of what he was witnessing could not compare with the devastation that occurred.
My thoughts immediately wandered to those living on the west side, upon hearing the news, praying they would be spared and my husband would arrive safely at his destination. These thoughts made me peer out the front window, only to notice a Grafton Highway vehicle passing by the house. I remember smiling and saying a quiet thank-you. The Grafton Town vehicle reminded me the Highway Department and emergency responders are always on-call. Fortunately, I heard of no fatalities.
Since becoming an elected representative of the people of Grafton, it has always been my practice to touch base with the Grafton Highway Superintendent during matters of public health and safety. Therefore, I made an impromptu visit to the highway garage the following day. Upon my arrival, the Highway Department was finishing lunch, and the Superintendent was assigning job duties to the crew. Those in attendance acknowledged my thank-you as I requested a site visit of the damaged areas.
The tour was much appreciated and a valuable learning experience. Amongst the constant chatter on the Highway Superintendent’s two cell phones and multi-channeled radio, I would learn the priority of the day was to repair the three washed out roads and secure those roads with washed out culvert connectors.
The property damage was devastating as water was still visible around Route 2 properties. My heart went out to the people living in these homes. On our way back, we passed the Brunswick Highway Superintendent who announced Bulson Road was now open to traffic. Some of our final stops included a visit to where a contractor was making repairs and inquiries by townspeople wondering when things would get back to normal.
Sometimes it is easy to be critical of public servants when we don’t know all the facts. These criticisms only contribute to unfounded speculation. It is my belief none of us want to be reminded of our own faults. We only do the best we can at any given time. What I realized, after touring the devastation on the West End, was that personnel from the Grafton Highway Department left the security of their homes that day and their families to help their neighbors. These actions deserve a very Big Thank-You. And yes some may argue these comments are patronizing. My comment to that is – why does my boss only come to see me when I do something wrong and never when I do the job right?
Barbara Messenger
Grafton Town Board Member