Politics & Government

Highway Superintendent Candidates Face Off

Are you satisfied with the highway department's efforts around town?

Election season got off to a heated start in Flanders this week as two candidates running for the Southampton Town superintendent of highways seat spoke out.

Incumbent Superintendent of Highways Alex Gregor, a Democrat endorsed by the Independence and Working Families parties, said during the last four years at his post, Mother Nature has put him to the test.

"We've had the worst weather in 30 years," he said. "Thank you for your patience."

In March of 2010, nine inches of rain were dumped on Southampton Town, with flooding widespread across all areas of town, he said.

Next, in 2011, came a series of snowstorms, and three states of emergencies, followed by another blow: "Five days before Labor Day, we had Irene knock on our door," he said.

The town scrambled to clean up, because the beaches are "an economic engine," and Labor Day is the "last change for everyone to make a buck," Gregor said.

In 2012, Sandy wreaked havoc. Ready to take his wife on a trip for her birthday, Gregor said he canceled the plans, saying, "It's going to hit the fan. I have to stay onboard."

Ranking with Gloria, Gregor said the town picked up over 80,000 yards of debris.

The Flanders and Riverside communities, he said, "got hammered." 

Gregor then distributed a printout of his accomplishments as highway superintendent, including resurfacing close to 100 miles of roads, fixing drainage, and building sidewalk.

Gregor's challenger, Dave Betts, a Republican and current chief town investigator in the town's code enforcement division, said he believes change is needed.

"What you need in a highway superintendent is an administrator," he said.

For 30 year, Betts said he has worked with town budgets and compliance issues.

He said the town has had roll-over money on the paving line. "That means we are not spending money the town board is authorizing. Why can't we spend the money we fight for?"

As a former union president, Betts said he has experience with, and understands, both sides of labor and management.

He also said he feels Southampton Town is not getting enough grant funding and pointed to East Hampton Town, which recently was awarded a $500,000, no-match grant. Betts said he has experience in grant writing.

"My administrative abilities are pretty strong," he said.

The pair got heated on the issue of private roads and why public funds were used for private paving, such as on Polk Street in Flanders.

Gregor said the section that was paved was town-owned.

The town's leaf program also sparked a flurry of debate.

Gregor said he's asked the town for part-time employees to help pick up leaves but only got three, as allowed; he asked the board to change that directive.

The leaves, he said, need to be picked up by Dec. 28, when the first snowfalls generally come. "That's why we came up with the voucher and bag program," he said.

The program offers free bags and a voucher;  those 73 or older, or on disability, can have loose leaves picked up. 

Betts alleged that in the town budget, costs are combined for brush, leaf pickup, and snow removal.

"We can't really figure out what it's costing you," he said.

Gregor fired back that the bills and costs are maintained separately.

As for leaf pickup, Betts suggested perhaps an alternative be explored, such as contracting with individuals to get it done before snow falls.

Gregor said the proposal went out to bid with private contractors years ago and that tried to get part-time help but was denied. 

Part of the problem, Gregor charged, is that, "The town charges the town to dispose of leaves. They are in direct violations of the New York State comptroller."

Gregor said he went to bid and got a company that would have taken the leaves for less, but the town refused to award the bid because they needed the revenues generated by waste management.

A resident asked why leaf vacuum are not used, instead of bulldozers, which tear up lawns and roads.

"We have more equipment than people," Gregor said, adding that staff went from 96 to 62 and pay loaders and dump truck are used because they are faster.

"Picking up leaves with heavy equipment will always cause those problems," Betts said.


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