Newcomer challenges highway superintendent

Republican candidate and present Highway Superintendent David Widger is being challenged by Democratic candidate Gregory Catlin. The superintendent position is for four years and has a proposed salary of $71,200 (2006 budget).

Gregory Catlin said he is seeking the position of highway superintendent because it presents an opportunity for him to provide service to the residents of Ogden, listen to residents' concerns and problems and try to come up with the best and most equitable solutions to those concerns.

"There are many issues facing the town, among them are keeping up with the growth in the town," he said. "New side streets need to be maintained, and the drainage problems that exist from development need to be addressed, now and in the future. No matter what issues the town faces, it should consistently maintain and perform the highway department duties in an economical and efficient manner."

Catlin has worked at Wegman's Food Markets for close to 19 years as the sole groundskeeper for the main headquarters. He has a degree in Ornamental Horticulture - Landscape Development from Alfred State College. "My college and employment history give me a rudimentary knowledge of many of the areas the highway department is responsible for, which I believe is a good base from which to begin carrying out the superintendent's duties," he said.

He and his wife, Robin, have a daughter and a son.

"If elected, I will take the time to listen to the concerns of all the citizens of Ogden, and make informed decisions with the best interest of both the citizens and the town in mind," he said. "I also think it is important to offer the voters a chance for change on election day."

Dave Widger, who has been with the Town of Ogden Highway Department since 1975, said he started his career there at "ground level."

"Over the years I was able to learn every aspect of the department and all of the responsibilities of each position including operating equipment, road and equipment maintenance, handling road and drainage issues, snow and ice operations as well as administrative responsibilities," he said. "In 1988, I was promoted to the position of assistant highway superintendent, filled in for the highway superintendent in 1991 and 1998, and was elected highway superintendent in 1999."

He is seeking re-election, he said, because he enjoys his job and being involved and working with his fellow Ogden residents solving issues that arise in the town.

In addition to being involved in many town projects, Widger said he has also served on many committees that he feels increased his knowledge and benefit to the town as well as better assisting him in serving the community. He is the president of the Monroe County Highway Superintendents Association, an advisor to the town's planning board and serves on other committees and with other associations.

"The town has many issues to face with the largest one being that we are a rapidly growing community. My goal as highway superintendent is to keep up with the new standards for development," he said. "I will also work to keep the roadways in good repair with innovative ideas and new technology while at the same time keeping it as cost efficient as possible to help maintain a stable tax base. Another goal of mine, is to work on the development of regional flood storage ponds to alleviate some of the town's flooding issues."

He and his wife, Sharon, have two children.

October 23, 2005