by Dave Berkstresser
For those people who do not know me, I was originally born in Jamestown, NY and moved around Pennsylvania. and Rhode Island as a child pursuant to my father’s career with Sears and Roebuck.
Following his passing in 1964 we settled in Easton, Pa. after which I received a BS from the University of Scranton and finally settled in the Town of Webb in 1976.
I married and started my own contracting business after moving here, where I raised four biological and two stepchildren and watched them all go on to successful careers around the country.
I moved here because I loved the area and thought it to be a great place to live and raise a family.
I have seen many changes occur over the years, some good, some not so good. My intention has always been not to change anything but to appreciate the integrity of what the area has to offer. I have always admired the independent nature of the local populace and its self reliance.
I am seeking the chance to help the Town of Webb maintain its proud heritage by being a strong voice in its operations as a TOW Councilman.
I would like to preface all of this by stating that I am not a politician. I will not try and sell you on a bridge where there is no river to cross.
I am conservative and pragmatic; two traits I demonstrated as Fire Chief for six years, and have practiced in running my own business and raising six children.
I have never been afraid to voice my opinion or work towards a goal, which anyone who knows me can attest to.
My contracting days are on the wane due to physical restraints. I have to limit myself to shorter hours. My mind is willing but the body cannot keep up, which will allow me the time to pursue the duties of the town council position.
I love to talk but I also know how to listen.
I have been an EMS instructor evenings for over 20 years and know the importance of doing your homework before preaching and having the ability to say “I don’t know, but will find out.” And I will.
My qualifications are varied, including member and former chair of a state public authority, over 25 years as a trustee at the Old Forge Library, six years as Fire Chief in Old Forge, current Town of Webb Wellness Fund member, DOH Regional EMS Council, Herkimer County EMS Advisory Board, Paramedic, EMT instructor and numerous volunteer positions over the years in the TOW such as one of the original founders of AYSO and regional director, little league coach and a business owner for over 35 years.
I have taken many things from all of these experiences including budgeting, operating costs and insurances.
As Fire Chief my main concern was always the men under me and the health and safety of the residents of Old Forge. I also learned that the TOW includes not only the village of Old Forge but also Eagle Bay, Big Moose, Stillwater and Beaver River and any decisions need to keep that in mind.
As far as goals go, the Governor has imposed budgetary restraints, and as the cost of mandates go up we have to watch where the money goes and that it is spent wisely.
I was glad to see the interest in Assisted Living for two reasons; one is being able to provide proper care for our loved ones that are close to us and I also can see the employment opportunities it will generate such as food service, housekeeping, security, clerical, hair dressing etc.
It will provide the primary or secondary incomes needed to attract younger people to the area. We need to seriously look ahead as to where our population is headed. We need to look into concepts such as homesteading as an incentive to attract younger couples to the area and constantly improve the Wi-Fi and communications to keep up with the shrinking world we live in.
The area must continue to aggressively pursue the tourists that make up the mainstay of our economy by showcasing the assets the area has to offer.
We have to look into preventative maintenance on the areas aging infrastructure and initiate plans for things like an alternative route for the snowmobiles to cross the river other than the bridge between Old Forge and Thendara.
It can all seem to be a daunting task, but one I would look forward to tackling if elected.
But what would always be at the forefront would be representing that which gives this area its character: The people that call the Town of Webb home.