To the Editor:

Judging by the number of political signs, it seems that the position of the highway superintendent in Berne is one of the most hotly contested. But what does this position really entail?

The Berne highway superintendent is responsible for maintaining more roads than any other town in Albany County and administers a budget over one million dollars.

The person who wins this race on Election Night must possess the knowledge required to make recommendations for purchases of highway equipment, must possess the mechanical knowledge to determine whether a new purchase is required or whether repairs can be made, must be familiar with the most appropriate road-repair treatments, and must demonstrate the foresight to develop a long-range plan for road improvement so that the department can be effective.

One of the candidates, Ed Hampton, has almost 10 years with the Berne Highway Department, and is currently serving as the acting highway superintendent. He has already demonstrated competence in all these areas.

Why take a chance of someone who has no direct experience in this area when we have a very capable candidate who does?

Susan Hawkes-Teeter
Berne