Doug Myer has worked in the highway construction field for 40 years. He is currently a working superintendent with Leo Boice and Sons construction and formerly owned D&S Earth Moving Inc., which did site work for major construction projects in the private and public sectors. He also worked with his father in F.V. Myer and Son, and in the family distributorship for Cargill Salt, distributing the product to state, county and town highway departments. Myer is married to Susan and has two children. He is a graduate of Saugerties High School and has training as a New York State emergency medical technician and has completed a 30-hour Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) course in construction safety and health. His community involvement includes membership in the Mount Marion Fire Department, of which he is a past chief. He is currently chairman of the board of Mount Marion Fire District, which owns the firefighting equipment. He worked with Diaz Ambulance Service as an emergency medical technician and has served on its board of directors. He has worked with the department budget and on securing grants, a skill he hopes to use as highway superintendent.
Myer is married to Susan and has two children, Heather and Lisa. He is endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties.
What qualities should a good highway superintendent possess?
First and foremost, the highway superintendent must have taxpayers in mind. Not go off half cocked spending his budget. He should be experienced in employee negotiations and labor relations. I also believe he must be the type of person who will work right along with the men. What relevant experience do you have?
You have a group of great men up there (in the Highway Department); some have been there 20 or 25 years. With Bernie (Ellsworth) not running, they will need leadership. I have 40 years experience managing men, and there are very few pieces of highway equipment I can’t run. With D&S Earth Moving, I was the sole buyer, and in charge of maintenance of the equipment. I also have experience in grant writing. I have managed large municipal and private projects.
What is the relationship between an elected highway superintendent and the town board?
You have to have a good working relationship with the town board. When you submit your budget and they approve it, you must work closely with the board. In my opinion highway superintendent is not a political job. You have a job to do; first and foremost you take care of safety of the men and the public. The highway superintendent works closely with the Town Board, but must also have some independence, and must keep taxpayer in mind.
What differences are there between running a town government department and supervision in the private sector?
I’m going to try to make it so it isn’t different. I’m going to run the highway department as I would run a business. I will try to do things the most economical way that gets job done and meets the specifications. I don’t like to see money thrown away.
Is party affiliation relevant to the job of highway superintendent?
Party should not be an issue once you are elected. You have a job to do, and you do it in the most economical and safe way you can.
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