The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Letter To The Editor – Unwarranted Political Agenda Or Bona Fide Concerns?

By

To the Editor:
In reading a letter to the editor of The Eastwick Press by the Petersburgh Town Supervisor on August 30, there was some concern as to whether “statements about the Highway Department and other offices were made public just for the sake of elections.”
Statements about townspeople made publicly by Town officials and reported in news media in a Town Board Meeting can always be tricky, particularly when it involves a local business owner who finds out there are concerns that have not been directly addressed.
It is wise to discuss issues with your elected officials as suggested in the Petersburgh Town Supervisor’s letter to the editor. In fact, I met with Siegfried Krahforst earlier in August to discuss my thoughts, concerns and desire to run for the Town Highway Superintendent. I shared with him many of the concerns addressed to me by Petersburgh residents while campaigning for the position.
One such concern I addressed was why the Petersburgh Highway Department is purchasing material from other places when we have a local supplier. As a long time heavy highway superintendent, I have had the pleasure of working with many municipalities across the state. The process is simple – requests for bids are publicly advertised, competing companies submit bids for specific projects and/or materials and the lowest bidder is given the contract. Most municipalities also request pricing for specific equipment and hourly labor rates pertaining to emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
It is my understanding that our local supplier was the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract to supply the sand, gravel and stone for Petersburgh. Ethically speaking, this low bidder protocol should be followed eliminating any bias or personal preferences.
As a community, we all need to work together to ensure that we are spending our limited tax dollars responsibly. Asking questions and being informed while attending the Petersburgh Town Board Meetings the third Monday of each month is a great way to reinforce this process!
Gene Kluck
Johnnycake Hill Road, Petersburgh