The Enterprise — Michael Koff
The Berne Highway Department filled in the shoulders on Stage Road on Sept. 21. The long-time lack of shoulders on that road has been one of Democratic Councilman Joel Willsey's many points of criticism against Highway Superintendent Randy Bashwinger, who is also chairman of the Berne Republican Party. The two butt heads frequently with Willsey broadly asserting in town meetings and Enterprise opinion pieces that Bashwinger neglects state law, while Bashwinger — either in town meetings or through social media — criticizes Willsey for his intense focus on the highway department. Willsey has recently retired from a career with the state’s Department of Transportation.