By Jason Emerson
Editor
During the November elections, Nelson voters will elect a new town highway superintendent due to the retirement of longtime Superintendent Jack Sevier. Three candidates are vying to succeed Sevier in that position: Joe Deyo, Tim Kent and Ron Richardson.
The Republican has sent identical questionnaires to all three candidates in an effort to help our readers learn more about each, to make informed decisions at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Below are each candidate’s responses, listed in alphabetical order.
Joe Deyo
Biographical info
I was raised in Cazenovia and moved to Nelson in 1984 and joined the Erieville Fire Department in 1986.
I married Christina Stevens, a lifelong resident of Nelson, in 1992. We have lived on Sanderson Road in Erieville since 1993. We are blessed with two wonderful daughters, Jessica and Amber.
All our family has graduated from Cazenovia Central School. Jessie is in her final semester at Syracuse University where she will earn her Master of Science degree in mediolegal death investigation. Amber is in her second year attending Morrisville State College Norwich campus working on her associate degree in human services.
I have worked for the Town of Nelson Highway Department as an equipment operator since 1997. Prior to that he worked for Cazenovia Central School transportation department as a school bus driver. He still substitutes for CCS on his days off.
Why are you running for office?
The retirement of the current Highway Superintendent John (Jack) Sevier gives me an opportunity to take on a new challenge in my career. I would like to continue my service and dedication to my neighbors, the taxpayers of the Town of Nelson.
Working for the highway department as an equipment operator has given me an in-depth understanding of the need for long term plans. Maintenance of roads and equipment, replacement of vehicles in a timely manner and utilization of the manpower and equipment of other municipalities within the means of the budget would be my main goals.
Why are you the best candidate?
My more than 20 years’ experience and proven dedication to the community make me the top contender.
In addition to working and living for the Town of Nelson, I have been a volunteer for the Erieville Fire Department since 1986. I have served in some type of officer position since 1988. I have been one of the chiefs for over 20 years which shows my experience in leadership.
I feel managing volunteers has helped me develop good people skills. I have also been the treasurer of the department for over 13 years. This has given me a great understanding of budgets and how to manage taxpayer money including the many regulations with federal, state and grant funds.
What do you see as the most important issues facing the Nelson highway superintendent and how will you address them?
Keeping our roads safe is always the main concern for the highway department. We have experienced unusual amounts of rain and severe weather in the past few years proving that storm water run-off is an issue that needs resolution.
I would plan to replace more drain pipes and keep ditches cleaned out on a regular schedule. I would also consult with the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District to investigate possible alternatives to our problem areas. Aging vehicles and equipment have raised the total maintenance costs to the residence.
I would work closely with the Nelson Town Board to update the equipment with as little cost as possible. I would like to promote more communication with the other residence of the town. I would offer a few ways for people to contact me and be sure to listen to their concerns.
Tim Kent
Biographical info
I’m Tim Kent, I was born and raised in Nelson and still have many family ties here. My wife and I have lived on Jones Road for 12 years, we have three daughters and a grandson.
Why are you running for office?
I am confident that my work and business ethics will enable me to oversee a productive highway garage and easily transition into the budgetary aspects of the position.
Why are you the best candidate?
I have been employed by the Town of Fenner Highway Department for 16 years and prior to that I owned my own business as an owner-operator truck driver. I look forward to being a beneficial part of the township I live in.
What do you see as the most important issues facing the Nelson highway superintendent and how will you address them?
Being able to adhere to a budget while making the best decisions for the town and working with town residents to provide viable solutions to their concerns are important issues that I would address on a daily basis to achieve positive outcomes.
Ron Richardson
Biographical info
My name is Ron Richardson and I moved to the Town of Nelson 15 years ago with my wife and two sons. I have been a professional tractor trailer drive for over 27 years. I also run a beef and hay operation from our farm on Hughes Road.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Nelson Highway Superintendent because it’s a great opportunity to do something for the residents of the town of Nelson and better the roads we all drive on. I’d also like to update the road construction practices that have been in place way to long.
Why are you the best candidate?
I feel I am the best candidate because I have many years of experience in equipment operation, road repair construction, managing a budget and 27 years of safe driving all over the northeast. I am also up-to-date on safety and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. I can keep costs down with in house repairs with my mechanical experience. I will also work with other neighboring superintendents closely.
What do you see as the most important issues facing the Nelson highway superintendent and how will you address them?
The most important issues I would be facing is keeping up with the new laws and state regulations for Department of Environmental Conservation and DOT. I will address this by attending seminars and request any information on these issues as needed.
