You heard it first here once again folks. Hamburg Highway Superintendent James Connolly has resigned his position effective January 9th, 2009. No word yet as of exactly what his reasons were but I believe he will list some kind of personal reason for his resignation.
I’m sure more will come out soon on exactly why and what Jim has done to force his resignation like this. That leaves another big question. Who will fill his position? Once again rumors have been flying around that Town Councilman Tom Best wanted the job and was considering a run for it. I didn’t put much stock into that rumor because I also heard he was considering a run for Town Supervisor. Tom has continuously denied both claims over the last several months.
With this new development a whole new political scheme may appear. Think about it and give me your take on the resignation. I would also like to hear who you feel should get the job now that Jim is leaving.
This job should be changed to a competitive civil service title instead of an elected position.
Only Tom Best knows if he is interested in this position but as a taxpayer in Hamburg I hope he is. In one year as a Councilman he has managed to accomplish what has taken others, years. Good luck Tom.
I support Tom Best Hamburg Highway Superintendent.
Ok look at the problem Best would create.
1. Unless he votes for himslf there will be a 2-2 tie when the board votes to appoint Best. He did vote for his son to get an appointment as Detective Sergeant.
2. If Best gets the job there will be a split board, they will not agree on his replacement, so there will be a split board until the next election. NOTHING will get done.
Will he have to give up his $80,000.00 a year Police Captain pensoin?
Will he continue to work as Full Time Director of Security at the Malls?
Why not let Walters oversee the day to day working of the Highway Department? Connely was never around and did most of his work over the phone. That would take a town fueled SUV off the road and save all the money that is paid to Highway Super. There are several foreman that run that department now, let them answer to Walters. Hell why not give him a 20 grand raise to do the job. The town will still save over 100 grand with bennies, vehicle, expenses etc. Put that money into overtime so the plows could remove snow during storms and serve the public? UNLIKE THE LAST THREE STORMS!
Highway Superintendant should be appointed. The position is overpaid. Cut the cost of government. The format is already there. We probably don’t even need him at all, like ’same old stuff’ says
What does the GOP committee think about Tom Best becoming the Highway Superintendent, and will they endorse Mr. Best in the Nov. election?
I think you should consider these names for Connolly’s replacement: Dan O’Connell, Mike Cerrone, Tom Moses (he can resign as village mayor), Randy Hoak, Vinny Giuliuzza and Barry Jones.
What does Mr. Morlock (GOP committee person) think about Tom Best becoming the Highway Superintendent, and will he endorse Mr. Best in the Nov. election? After all, didn’t Mr. Morlock say he would only back republicans or has he changed his tune? And what about Mr. Domin that Mr. Morlock promised would be the GOP candidate for Highway. Will Mr. Morlock simply push Mr. Domin under the bus? 2009 will certainly be interesting….
I overheard three retired gentlemen, having coffee this morning at a local establishment. None of them were connected to politics, but each told a story of how when they had individual problems, when they called Connolly, they were immediately resolved, whether it be plowing, paving or other issues. They went on talking about how the Town of Hamburg snow removal is second to none, especially the Village. I can’t agree more. I’m not sure what the political issues are, but this guy did a good job over the years.
Combine with the two village highway departments and save the taxpayers some money. We do not need to pay for three or another elected official.
Well the three gentlemen didn’t live in my neighborhood–a street that doesn’t get too much attention. And Connolly didn’t remove the snow. The plow drivers did. It’s been said that he doesn’t even know how to operate one of those things.
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/southernsuburbs/story/536748.html
Interesting…
An audit of ANY department is just good business. The Supervisor is just doing what a Supervisor SHOULD do. It would protect Connolly also; if some discrepandy shows up some time in the future, it could be pinpointed to after the audit to protect him also. Sounds pretty routine to me.
What do these additional audits cost me, the taxpayer? Our government, federal, state, or local is truly dysfunctional.
What could it cost to not audit things and leave everything status quo. I think it should be audited every year or two. The state and town are making fire company’s audit every year so why shouldn’t they audit the highway especially when the highway supervisor QUITS.
We are mandated to pay an Independent auditor every year. The State comes in and audits also. There are checks and balances to a point. However, the departments can do things that are ‘under the radar’. Obviously, we wouldn’t want to rely on self auditing of the Hwy Dept. There are big purchases that go through State bid lists(like road salt). I don’t think the T.O.H. ever moved modernized small dept purchasing through the use of debit cards; so most purchases are ‘applied ‘ for through board P.O.’s etc. Use (or misuse) of fuel by employees, paving & plowing of private property, and motor pool items are some of the objects of scrutiny in good municipal models.
Just good 2 party government environments usually set the stage for snitching and whistleblowing which keeps things in check.
I agree that auditing is the prudent thing to do. And qabflo, in reference to an earlier post, the town has nothing to do with plowing the village, so if people are pleased with how well the village is plowed, they have the village DPW to thank, not Connolly.
i should have been clearer on my point. In my opinion, the town provides much better services than the village.
I just wanted to let you know that a potential individual who has a vast amount of experience and who lives in the town maybe running for the highway position. I heard this person has and is still serving in the Military and has been in for 14 years plus. This individual understands infastructer,bridges,roads,and people to. Sounds like a leader, if I find out who it is I will let you all know but this person sounds like they have what it takes. I think the position should be ran by a person who has military behind them and some leader ship skills. well what do you all think?? I got call at 8 tonight about this person.
Ok one more time. To all you nice kids out there pay attention. The state that you love so much and like to give your money to because the libs and dems demand it have better trucks and plows than we do. They have the money and we have crap. Your street is plowed on a priority base and the streets are not perfect. They have divits and humps,bumps and holes and cars on the side. This beats the crap out of the blade and hydraulics. maybe if you guys would ask for tour of a highway dept and talked to the folks who drive and fix these things than your little brains would get warm and fuzzy and have a better understanding of what your talking about and you could be more educated about these things. Stop crying about something you know nothing about Phil best and the rest of you winners. Want to talk and sound like your smart hang with me and u will learn.
Even if this guy Tom Best dosent get in. The town should be looking for that guy who has the military behind him and skills. WOW what an idea lets all look for this guy and talk to our network of people. Maybe we all can get wram and fuzzy and find our knight in responsible political serving and trust.
If this guy is such a great fit for the job why don’t you tell us who it is so that we can all start pushing for him?
Hey loretta I will find out soon my buddy wasent to clear of who it was but I will let you know thanks I will keep up the info as best as I can.
My brother worked for the town highway department for 30+ years. The above conditions of equipment damage and road services do take a toll. Ask former DICK SMITH when superintentdent. Don’t make off the cuff so called knowledge of this important department. Research ! By the way snow plowing
is ONLY PART of the resume our hard working department this town should be proud of and respect.
who’s Dick Smith ?