To the editor:
There is one position in Lysander government that is responsible for and controls the spending of nearly $3,000,000 annually. We must be talking about the town supervisor, right? No… I am often asked which position in the town government is the most important to the wellbeing of our citizens.
It’s the highway superintendent!
One of the most important characteristics of an individual that is responsible for managing nearly three million dollars, which represents over 50 percent of the town’s budget, is credibility in spending that money (your money) properly, and being able to explain to the residents just how it will be spent. With Jerry Hole as highway superintendent, this need will certainly be met. Jerry Hole honed his budgetary work during his career as a lieutenant with the Syracuse Fire Department and continued to demonstrate his budgetary skills through the management of his own small businesses.
In addition to managing a budget properly, it’s extremely important that the person in this role earns the respect and leads a team of dedicated Highway professionals to ensure that our roadways are kept safe and in top shape throughout the year. We need a person that can remedy the divisiveness that unfortunately is present currently within the highway department. Jerry Hole’s career attests to his ability to not only earn respect from those he supervises but it shows his understanding that respect goes two ways. In other words, he fully understands that a manager must also respect the people who do the work of the highway department. Management is all about getting the best out of our professional highway staff, doing so efficiently and without jeopardizing camaraderie. Jerry Hole has the skills to do this and we look forward to a crew that will be empowered to get the highway department back on track.
One of the missions of the current board has been to re-create a level of respect with the public as well as amongst members of the board and department heads. One key element in this regard is how the highway superintendent deals with the public, especially when there are complaints or problems that are identified. Jerry Hole will bring a level of sincerity to customer service and will treat every member of the public with the respect that is required and deserved. The highway superintendent must also understand that he and the town board are on the same team and the shared goal is to develop the best level of service to the public. Being able to get along with people is, therefore, of paramount importance. Jerry Hole excels in this regard.
Jerry Hole has earned the nomination of the Republican Party, Conservative Party, Independence Party and the Onondaga County Veterans Party. He embodies the characteristics of all great leaders. He has proven integrity, and is community focused, accessible, and will be accountable to you! Please join me in voting for a true leader, Jerry Hole!
Brian R. Bixby
Chairman, Lysander Republican Committee
