Editor’s note: Jim Akt and Orson Davis are facing off in the June 27 primary to become the Republican candidate for the Town of Highland Highway Superintendent.

Jim Akt, candidate for Highland Highway Superintendent

I’m running for Highway Superintendent in the Town of Highland, NY. I have been a lifelong resident of the area and now live in Eldred. 

I have worked my entire life in the excavation business, first with my father in Pond Eddy, NY, where we were contracted by Orange and Rockland Utilities to work on their hydroelectric dams, underground utilities, rip rapped dams (one being Rio Dam) and other heavy excavation work as needed. I was fortunate to learn from my father’s experience, which only comes from decades of hard work.

I’ve had my own business for over 20 years and continue to work on/install bridges, dams, lakes, site/prep, septic systems, new home construction, driveways and paving. I have maintained roads/snowplowed in several HOAs for years. My knowledge also includes maintenance/repairs on all heavy equipment and trucks. As a business owner, I manage a budget, purchase equipment/trucks and have built up necessary and important relationships/networks of contractors, suppliers, etc.

My experience is unique and my work ethic is ingrained in me, I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished over the years having worked hard and always given 200 percent.

What I bring to the position of highway superintendent is a knowledge of all facets of roadwork, drainage, paving, snow plowing, clearing brush and trees, managing budgets and buying/selling/repairing all equipment and trucks. I am a project manager with the ability to organize a project from start to finish. 

I would look forward to working with the qualified and knowledgeable team that the town already has in place.

I’m seeking your support and vote this year, as I would appreciate the opportunity to serve my community, utilizing the unique knowledge and vast experience that I can bring to the table.

Orson Davis, candidate for Highland Highway Superintendent

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Orson J. Davis Jr. and I am running for Highway Superintendent for the Town of Highland, NY. 

I am a lifetime resident and taxpayer. After school, I went right to work at Poley Paving. I worked for the next 42 years, the last nine as an owner/operator of Davis & Daughter’s Trucking. I retired in November 2022. 

I am running for the superintendent position as my concern is maintaining the roads while not exceeding the budget. 

I believe the highway department is just as essential as the fire and ambulance departments. The roads need to be serviceable for them to do their job and the taxpayers to go about their business. 

I feel with my experience paving, driving and running a business, that I will be an asset to the highway department. 

I look forward to meeting all of you and listening to your concerns. My hope is that by working together we can improve our roadway system. 

I appreciate your consideration. Please be sure to vote on June 27.