To the editor:

I, Daniel Martin, as superintendent of the Harrietstown Highway Department, am proud to lead a team that keeps our roads safe, maintains our equipment, manages infrastructure and operates efficiently for the benefit of the entire community.

The Harrietstown Highway Department’s plow trucks are critical pieces of equipment that keep our roads safe and passable throughout the harsh North Country winters. These vehicles operate under extremely demanding conditions — constant exposure to road salt, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures — which significantly shorten their lifespan. Industry standards and municipal best practices recommend replacing heavy-duty plow trucks on a 7-to-10-year cycle. While our skilled mechanics work hard to extend the life of each vehicle, no amount of maintenance can fully offset the wear caused by our winter operations. Purchasing new trucks is not a matter of “want,” but of necessity and responsibility. A structured replacement plan ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely – preventing costly breakdowns, reducing maintenance expenses, and keeping our fleet reliable and safe. Utilizing the town’s equipment reserve fund allows us to plan these replacements strategically, rather than reacting to emergency failures.

Contrary to claims that the department is inefficient, we have been operating with two staff positions short, resulting in estimated annual savings of $80,000-$90,000. Even with fewer personnel, the department continues to perform all essential functions: road maintenance, snow plowing, storm response, equipment upkeep, and infrastructure management. Maintaining high-quality services under these conditions reflects efficiency, strong leadership, and the dedication of every member of our team.

I want to be clear: I fully support all of our employees and would do everything in my power to ensure fair compensation for their hard work. That said, any raises or adjustments are either negotiated through the unions or voted on by the town board, and I respect that process. My role is to advocate for the department while following the governance structure that ensures transparency and fairness.

Every operation and expenditure in the department is carefully reviewed to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. We actively seek grants, shared-service opportunities, and other cost-saving measures to maintain safe, reliable services while controlling costs.

The town board’s approval of current staffing and compensation reflects confidence in our department’s performance. Claims of inefficiency do not reflect the reality of our operations, the savings we generate, or the commitment and hard work of our employees.

In short, the Harrietstown Highway Department is fulfilling its mission safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively, and I remain committed to supporting every member of this team while protecting the interests of the community.

Daniel Martin

Harrietstown Highway Superintendent