David Berkstresser of Old Forge has announced his candidacy for Town of Webb Supervisor in the September Democratic primary and the November gemeral election.
Berkstresser, a resident of Old Forge for over 30 years, said he has the knowledge and experience to effectively serve the people as Supervisor of the Town of Webb.
“I’m a very conservative individual and there are no more important issues in the Town of Webb than the local economy and where the future will lead us,” he said.
Berkstresser, who received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Scranton, moved to Old Forge in 1975 where he raised four children, Stephen, Kim, Molly and Sara, and step-children, Yvonne and Jeff Marshall.
His wife Jeanette, a life-long resident of the area, has been employed at the Town of Webb Professional Offices for a number of years.
He has operated a successful heating and plumbing business in the Town of Webb since 1980, and has guided six children through the local school system, all who were involved in various academic, athletic and artistic activities.
Berkstresser said he has always valued strong involvement in local organizations.
He has served as a member of the Old Forge Library Board of Trustees for the last 25 years.
He is an EMT and paramedic, and a member of the Town of Webb Fire District since 1980.
He served as Fire Chief of the Old Forge Volunteer Fire Department from 2001-2007. Throughout his tenure as Fire Chief, Berkstresser said he maintained an open-door policy.
If elected as Town Supervisor, he said that he will continue his open-door policy because he believes it’s the best way to serve Webb residents.
“I am very willing to listen to what people have to say,” Berkstresser said.
His experience representing Webb and the North Country interests includes being elected as a member of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Council for Herkimer, Oneida and Madison Counties.
In 2009 he was appointed, on a recommendation by retiring Supervisor Robert Moore, to serve on the Hudson and Black River Regulating District, a State Public Authority. He currently holds the position of Chairman.
During his tenure he has been involved in such activities as union labor contract negotiations, a three-year budget projection, tax assessments and levies.
But controlling spending and financial planning is not new to him.
His father was a traveling auditor and controller for Sears and Roebuck who controlled the New England area before he passed away.
His mother retired from Sears as an accountant.
Berkstresser, who has served the area in several capacities over the years, said that his leadership abilities have been proven in the fire department and with the State Public Authority Commission, and he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of the Town of Webb in the Supervisor’s office.
