Collins Supervisor bids farewell,

lauds progress

Jan 1, 2018
Andrew Kuczkowski
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OBSERVER File Photo Pictured far right are Dave Tessmer with his wife Peg and son Andrew.

COLLINS — Exiting Collins Town Supervisor David Tessmer ended his final meeting in the position reviewing what the town board accomplished in 2017.

Tessmer listed off that the town demolished two blight properties (2296 Gowanda Zoar Road and 3585 Route 39) and set up procedures to do more future projects, set up its seventh annual Liberty Fest, made improvements to the highway department’s equipment, received $150,000 in grants for roof repairs to the LK Painter Center and enhancements to the town hall.

With a town supervisor to Tessmer’s right, now councilman Ken Martin, his years of service will not hesitate to continue with success.

“I just wanted to say it has been an honor to serve this town the past 14 years that I have been on the board,” Tessmer said. “I had a wonderful time and I just wanted to thank this board because we got so much done in the last six years, it’s incredible. This board worked harmoniously and pulled up their shirt sleeves. It was a pleasure to work with them as well as Becky (Jo Summers)’s office, as well as Jim (Musacchio, the town attorney).”

When it comes to the accomplishments in 2017, Tessmer brought up the execution of the five-year plan. He accredited the board and all who helped.

“We’ve got a lot of little neat projects done this year,” Tessmer said. “So, thanks to everybody.”

The town of Collins will lose its supervisor, Tessmer; deputy supervisor and councilwoman Mary Clark, councilwoman Janet Vogtli; and dog control officer Mary Dankert.

Clark took the floor as it was her final meeting in the position.

“This has been a challenge, but it has been a pleasant one for the most part,” she said. “… I started out with Ken as the supervisor and I learned a lot from Ken and he has always kept his cool and made good decision. …”

“I’ve seen him lose his cool,” Tessmer interjected jokingly.

“Well, one time,” Clark said.

It summed up the town board in one simple joke. Despite disputes over minute topics, in the end of the day, the board that has a diverse group between democrats and republicans.

Tessmer, prior to the after-meeting food festivities, added that Doug Martindale, the town’s historian, is “the heartbeat of these buildings and grounds.” His efforts to improve the town hall allowed the building to function with efficiency. Along with Martindale, Sue Gamel, the town’s budget officer, was complemented for “making us look good,” Tessmer said and added that he appreciated her work from the bottom of his heart.

It was a bittersweet end to the four who helped to remove blight, enhance community centers and give a firework display that competes with much larger population centers.

“I can’t believe how much has been done for this town over the past 16 years. It’s amazing,” Clark said.

Twitter: @Kuczkowski95