Starkey will decide: elect or appoint highway superintendent

STARKEY--Should the town of Starkey highway superintendent be an appointed position or remain elected by ballot voting? This question will be for the public to decide in the upcoming general election Nov. 6.
The resolution to include this on the upcoming ballot was unanimously passed (5-0) by the town of Starkey board Aug. 9. The ballot will read, "Shall the elective office of Town Superintendent of Highways be abolished and be replaced with the appointed office of Town Superintendent of Highways, effective January 1, 2020, as set forth in the proposed Town of Starkey Local Law #3 of 2018."
Town board members supported the amendment on the grounds that it would allow more oversight from the town board. Town supervisor George Lawson said the board would be able to designate a committee to handle funding and hiring.
"It would give us the opportunity for an annual review, which would be an advantage for us," Lawson said.
The resolution received support at the public hearing Aug. 9. from Steve Fulkerson of Dundee, as well as Jerri McDaniel of Barrington. McDaniel said the position should be appointed; that way the town has more direct authority to deal with any problems that may arise.
"Right now, there's no way for the town board to make sure things are being done properly," McDaniel said.
The current highway supervisor, Louis Seeley, who has occupied the position for 27 years, does not agree with the board's resolution. He believes the person occupying the position should be an elected by the town ballot.
"They're taking away our right to vote," Seely said. "I have more faith in the people of the town of Starkey to make the right decision."