I am a lifelong resident of Bethlehem and as our next Highway Superintendent, I will be a strong and capable leader who works tirelessly to enhance the local infrastructure, be efficient with highway resources and assist in the preservation of the town’s character. In the spirit of transparency, I want to take this opportunity to share how I came to be the endorsed Democratic candidate for this position.
As a current Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard and a former Sergeant in the Army National Guard, I never envisioned myself in the political arena. In addition to my service in the Armed Forces, I have also spent the last 13 years as a Logistics Specialist for the NYS Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services.
After graduating from BCSD, I joined the International Union of Operating Engineers and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters apprenticeship programs before earning a Certificate in Construction Technology from HVCC. After spending a decade in commercial-trades, I pursued a career in law enforcement, graduated from the Zone 5 Police Academy, became a NY State certified law enforcement officer and worked as a Police Officer in the Village of Altamont and the Town of Coeymans.
In 2006, I began my position as a Logistics Specialist with the NY State Task Force 2 Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services, where I remain employed today. During my time there, I began serving our country as a member of the military, by joining the NY Army National Guard in 2008 where my tour included a deployment with my team to Afghanistan in 2012. I transferred to the NY Air National Guard in 2014 in a leadership position where I remain today as an instructor for security forces (military police) and teaching infantry tactics.
In sharing my credentials and expertise over the years, I would like to share how an unfortunate event positively shifted my career path. In 2003, my then-girlfriend began exhibiting unhealthy behaviors that had me concerned. She reacted poorly to my efforts to get her help, responding aggressively and making a false claim that, while not serious on its face, negatively impacted advancing in my local police career. I was cleared completely without prejudice, with our legal system working as it should. I don’t regret this challenging time or the next chapter in my service career that it led me to but I do regret not being able to convince her to seek the help she needed.
While this incident of more than 15 years ago changed the type of my career in law enforcement, it has enabled me to serve my country, my state and if elected, this town. As a veteran, I have served in the trenches with soldiers, have learned the ethos of leadership through my military experience and understand that resilience and perseverance starts at home.
Marc Dorsey is a dedicated public servant, military veteran and the Bethlehem Democratic Committee endorsed candidate for Bethlehem Highway Superintendent.
Marc Dorsey