Editor, The Spotlight:
As a Democratic candidate for Bethlehem highway superintendent, I write to introduce myself to Bethlehem’s Spotlight readers and share some insights about my experience and why I believe I am the best choice to serve as Bethlehem’s next highway superintendent.
Recently, a majority of the citizens in our town supported a referendum that sought to preserve their right to choose the highway superintendent. Although in the minority, the rest of those that voted sent a message that they wanted a qualified candidate for highway superintendent. Regardless of how you voted, I believe I am the candidate that offers choice and has the right qualifications and experience.
First, my qualifications: I am a licensed professional engineer with an engineering degree from Clarkson University. My engineering experience is in the mechanical, civil and environmental engineering fields. I also have extensive leadership experience gained while I served as an officer in the Army National Guard.
As an engineer for the federal government, I was responsible for engineering oversight, management and completion of multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. These projects included the design and installation of roadways, underground utilities and construction management, as well as environmental investigations and cleanups. In addition, I served for more than a decade as an Engineer Officer in the Army National Guard. I was responsible for planning, training, maintaining readiness and the successful execution of assigned missions. I was also responsible for construction projects in which I reviewed designs, developed construction schedules and supervised the projects to completion.
Second, I have a tremendous commitment to our town. My family moved to Delmar in 2000 and we enjoy living in a community that offers a wonderful quality of life. I have also had the experience of staying home full-time to raise our children. My children are now all school age and I will have at least one child at every educational level in our town. My experience as a full-time parent has given me a unique perspective on our town’s infrastructure needs, the importance of transportation safety and ensuring that our town roads remains safe and accessible to all. I also have extensive volunteer experiences. I have coached my children’s sports teams, been a volunteer firefighter and volunteered in my children’s schools.
In conclusion, I am not a politician or a bureaucrat without leadership or engineering experience. I entered this race for highway superintendent because I believe that we should set the bar high with respect to the qualifications of our community’s elected officials. The highway superintendent position is an important one and is essential to ensuring that Bethlehem remains a highly desirable and safe place to live and raise a family. In this race, I feel I offer the best qualifications, experience and leadership.
Thank you for considering me for Bethlehem’s highway superintendent in the Democratic primary on Sept. 10. Please visit my website at www.votebrentmeredith.com if you would like more information.
Brent Meredith, candidate for Bethlehem highway superintendent