Listed in Administration
Sure, we’re often told to “play nice” with the Town Board, keep things smooth, don’t make waves, go along to get along. After all, they do control the budget, and we get it: without funding, nothing gets done. But here’s the thing - highway superintendents aren’t elected just to keep the peace. We’re elected to take care of the roads, to keep our communities safe, and to make sure our infrastructure is sound and reliable. That means sometimes we have to push back.
Let’s be real. Some board members are more focused on looking good at election time than they are on making smart, long-term decisions. Cutting budgets looks great on campaign flyers. It lets them say, “Hey, we saved taxpayers money!” But often, those savings come at the cost of safety, reliability, and common sense. Kicking the can down the road may keep them in office, but it leaves the next storm, pothole, or equipment failure in our lap, and in the laps of the residents who depend on us to do our job right.
When a board member suggests cutting corners, like delaying much-needed road repairs, skipping drainage upgrades, or ignoring equipment needs just to save a few bucks, it’s not just a budget decision. It’s a safety risk. And while it might be politically easier to smile and nod, we’ve got a responsibility to stand our ground. Not to be difficult, but to be ethical. To protect the people who drive those roads every day. Ultimately, when infrastrucure fails, the public you serve will point their fingers at you, not the Town Board - and you could be held liable if a failure causes injury.
Caving to pressure just to keep the peace might avoid a heated meeting, but it can lead to bigger problems down the line, such as flooded streets, unsafe roads, or equipment breakdowns that cost even more to fix later. That’s not leadership. That’s short-term thinking.
We’re not here to serve board politics. We’re here to serve the public. And sometimes, that means standing firm, even when it’s uncomfortable. Because the job isn’t just about asphalt and plows. It’s about integrity.