Wilson emerges as victor in Republican caucus

PINE PLAINS — Incumbent Highway Superintendent Heather Wilson won six votes more than Ed Casazza, 46-40, at a Republican caucus held at the Lions Club Pavilion for the party’s ticket in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.“Over the past eight months serving as your highway superintendent, with almost half of that time spent fighting numerous snowstorms, I was still capable of completing a tremendous amount of road work and continue to be well within budget,” Wilson stated in her speech read at the caucus. Wilson cited the implementation of tree maintenance and semi-annual road inspection programs among accomplishments she’s made as a highway superintendent so far.The candidate also spoke about her qualifications for the position, including an accounting degree, eight years experience as highway secretary and current enrollment in a Road Master I Certification program sponsored by Cornell Local Roads.“The congratulatory phone calls I’ve received and the outpouring support has been phenomenal as a result of the caucus nomination alone, and I’m looking forward to serving the town of Pine Plains for many years to come,” Wilson said in a follow-up interview. Casazza has not served as a highway superintendent before, but said he carries relevant experience and had thought about running for a while.“I thought it’d be a good fit, but it didn’t work out,” he said.Wilson will run unopposed on the ballot and appear on Republican, Democrat and independent lines. The incumbent has held the position since January 2014 when she was appointed through a Town Board vote (4-1) after the resignation of Barry Hay.If elected, Wilson will continue to fulfill Hay’s unexpired term until 2015 when a new, full four-year term will begin after a respective election.