Highway superintendent race now has challengers
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Kaminski

While several residents have announced their candidacy for Amherst Town Board, incumbent Bob Anderson was the sole candidate for highway superintendent.

That changed this past week when two residents said they are now in the race.

Kathy Kaminski, a foreman at the Amherst Highway Department, and Russ Stoll, a professional civil engineer, both announced their candidacy to The Amherst Bee recently.

Kaminski has received the endorsement from the Democratic Committee.

She is the first woman foreman in the town's Highway Department and has 17 years' experience.

"The October surprise storm was a tragedy, and as a foreman in the Forestry Division, there is no one more qualified to bring Amherst back to its rightful status as Tree City, in action, not just words," she said.

"As we look to the future, we cannot settle for government as usual. There is no reason we cannot develop a realistic equipment maintenance and replacement plan, institute tighter budget controls, establish monthly labor management roundtables, explore new sources of funding through grants and establish a Citizens' Advisory Board," she said.

Stoll

Part of her campaign will be to develop a complete program for reform. She wants to establish a new era of cooperation, accountability and teamwork among the Highway Department, the Town Board and the residents of Amherst.

"At a time when budget cuts are a political reality, I think there are ways to make more dollars available for the critical services that Amherst needs," Kaminski said.

The other candidate, Stoll, has not received an endorsement.

A professional civil engineer, Stoll said he has more than 26 years of civil engineering experience.

"My experience with planning, design and construction of public infrastructure, including roadways and storm sewers, drainage and storm water management, park and recreation facilities will assist me in making Amherst a better place to live. I would be a highway superintendent who is responsive and responsible, working with the residents," he said.

Stoll has been a town resident for 40 years. He earned degrees at the University at Buffalo and Erie Community College. He is a part-time faculty member at Erie Community College and is completing his third year as one of the directors of the Engineering Society of Buffalo.

This is his first run for public office, and he wants to bring his experience from the private sector to the position.

He said his interest in running is to make the town a better place to live, adding he plans to bring a fresh face and fresh leadership to the post.

Anderson, who has served for one term, is seeking re-election. He is endorsed by the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Working Families Parties.

He said his platform is on the issues of the $20 million operation, adding when he started his term, grievances from employees were common but he has since addressed those moral problems.