North East appoints Stanfordville resident Highway Superintendent

MILLERTON — North East’s Highway Superintendent position has been filled, ending a nearly six-month long vacancy, after Town Board members appointed Stanfordville resident Avery Heath.

North East Town Board members held a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, for the sole purpose of appointing Heath to the position. The group had previously discussed his appointment at a Thursday, Sept. 10, meeting, but could not formally vote on the appointment due to Town Clerk Tilly Strauss’s absence, Town Supervisor Chris Kennan said.

The appointment passed with a 4-0 vote. Councilwoman Lana Morrison abstained from the vote without explanation.

Heath has worked for the Ancram road crew since 2006, except for a brief stint in the private sector from 2021 to 2022. He served as the Deputy Highway Superintendent between 2014 and 2021. He is originally from Ancramdale, and graduated from Stissing Mountain High School.

Heath currently works as a machine equipment operator for the Town of Ancram in neighboring Columbia County. He said he is tentatively expected to start working for the Town of North East on Oct. 1.

North East’s appointed superintendent is unique among the county — Highway Superintendents in most Dutchess County towns are elected officials. Town Board members voted in July to remove a residency requirement from the position, opening up the job to applicants that reside outside the Town of North East.

That decision drew criticism from some residents, mostly in public comments on FaceBook, who said the town’s Highway Superintendent would be most responsive and available for emergencies if they lived in the town.

Heath said he doesn’t expect his living status in Stanfordville to negatively impact his job performance. He said he lives near the town line that separates Stanford and North East, and that his years of experience working for road crews make him a good choice for the position despite his residency.

“I believe that the person coming into the job should know what the job entails,” Heath said. “I feel that I have the time and experience that I will do a good job.”

The Town’s Highway Superintendent position was left vacant at the end of March when 40-year road crew veteran Bob Stevens died suddenly. Stevens was originally appointed to the position 28 years ago.

Heath, who was familiar with Stevens, acknowledged the legacy that Stevens left behind.

Heath said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to serve North East as Stevens had prior to his death.

“I’m hoping to come into this job and do what Bob did,” Heath said. “Take care of the Town of North East.”