Do you have any new initiatives in your approach to running your department and taking care of the roads that could be either environmentally friendly or save taxpayers’ dollars or both?
The highway department will be implementing a salt-and-brine system for keeping roads safe in the winter season. Over a period of time, our research has shown this method will result in a substantial savings to our snow budget, as well our spring cleanup costs. Let’s not forget the air pollution created by clouds of dust we see in the spring. Less sand usage equals little time with road-sweeping projects.
When this new and improved winter maintenance procedure is fully implemented, I expect to eliminate the use of sand, burn less fuel, reduce overtime expense, elevate the level of service and reduce budget costs for snow services. We will actually save money and increase safety while improving the environment.
Lenny Auchmoody
Why did you decide to run for the position of superintendent of highways?
I ran two years ago and still believe I have a lot to offer the town I grew up in and raised kids in and have worked in my entire life. If I didn’t run, then Richie would run unopposed and I don’t think that’s healthy for the democratic process. Residents deserve a choice and I want to give them that choice.
What experiences/skills/qualifications do you have that you believe make you a competent highway superintendent?
I’ve helped the highway department out during heavy snowstorms over the years. I worked for a major contractor (Ravena Construction) from 1972 to 1988 where we built roads, sewer treatment plants, put in water and sewer lines, baseball and soccer fields, drainage. When the owner of the company retired, I bought my own trucks and vehicles and began Auchmoody & Sons. We have a gravel plant, gravel-crushers, screeners, loaders, excavating equipment, backhoes — you name it. I know the roads of Lloyd inside and out. I’m very familiar with them, their condition, specific challenges and would feel very comfortable and confident as the superintendent of highways.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. I’d like to do a comprehensive road study based on a grading system that listed our roads that are in the worst condition to those in the best condition. There are approximately 69 miles of road in the Town of Lloyd and we need a plan that addresses the roads in the greatest need of repair first and work our way up. I’d also want to include drainage conditions into that plan, so that we fix any necessary drainage issues, rather than pave a road and have to go back and tear it up. That’s just wasteful. We need a road maintenance plan to work effectively and efficiently within our budget.
2. I was on the Town of Lloyd Safety Council for many years. Public safety is first and foremost in my mind. If elected, I would want to sit down with all of our schoolbus drivers and ask them what things they find hazardous when driving our children. Is there a branch that blocks their view? A stop sign that’s hard to see? A dropoff that’s dangerous? They travel all over our roads and transport my grandchildren and other people’s children and grandchildren and I think it’s important to get their input.
3. Search out more effective and efficient ways of getting our job done. We’ve invested a lot of money into our highway department employees. I’d like to sit with them and get their input on ways we could do things more efficiently, especially when it comes to plowing the roads.
Do you have any new initiatives in your approach to running your department and taking care of the roads that could be either environmentally friendly or save taxpayers’ dollars or both?
We need to be as environmentally friendly as we can, because we need to ensure that we save our planet for our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I was speaking to a group of local senior citizens and I said, “You are the ones that build this town. You were the custodians of Lloyd and it’s now our duty to take care of what you’ve given to us and pass it on to future generations.”
If elected, you will never hear from me that “It’s not my problem.” If a resident calls with a concern or a problem, I’m going to take it seriously; and if our department can’t address it, I will find out who can. Too often people call the highway department and are told that it’s not their problem, that it’s a county or state road. Well, that may be true; but they’re our residents and I’ll be employed by our citizens, and sometimes it takes some prodding to get the job done. I’m excited to work for the community I grew up in and love and have raised my family in. Roads and drainage are my business and Highland is my community.
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