Gaines town supervisor candidate says town government should be ‘open book’

Editor:

I’d like to take the opportunity to formally introduce myself as the endorsed Republican Party candidate for Supervisor in the Town of Gaines.

My name is Joseph (Joe) Grube. My wife, Lori, and I make our home on West Bacon Road. Over the years since moving into our home, we’ve had the opportunity to meet, get to know, and become friends with many new people, along with turning long acquaintances into new friendships. Through those relationships, we became more involved in the affairs of our community and wanted the opportunity to provide our skills, knowledge, and insights where needed.

Before I go on, a little more about myself. I have been involved in some sort of public service my entire adult life, and even as a child. I grew up in the Town of Otto, in Cattaraugus County, and lived there until moving to Orleans County in 2011. Growing up, I spent countless hours with my parents involved in our fire department, and joined that department immediately upon turning 18. I served in many leadership roles there over my 25 years of membership, including 7 years as Chief of the Department. I now serve the residents of the Albion area through my active membership in the Albion Fire Department, which I joined in 2013.

In my professional life, I worked for the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years, first as a public safety dispatcher, then as a Deputy Sheriff, working through the ranks and retiring in 2011 as Captain, where I was responsible for the Communications Division of the agency, including supervision of 20 plus employees and direct responsibility over budgets exceeding $1.6 million. Since retiring from law enforcement, I’ve worked in the private sector in the public safety technology industry. I’m currently a regional manager for the leading provider of 9-1-1 Center call processing and networking technology in North America, where nearly all our customers are government public safety agencies.

I’ve also had the opportunity to serve the public in elected positions in the past. I was previously a Councilman and Deputy Supervisor in the Town of Otto. Otto is a very small town of just over 800 people. Living my entire life in rural areas along with my years of experience in both the public and private sector, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and experience on the workings of government. I intend to put all of that to good use in the Town of Gaines!

The Town of Gaines needs a change. Keeping taxes in check is smart and a high priority, but it certainly isn’t everything when it comes to running the town. There are three elected officials in the town that really set the stage for success. Supervisor, Clerk, and Highway Superintendent. These three officials need to work in harmony to provide the best services that can be provided within the fiscal limits available, and they need to be allowed to have their skills put to the best use to enhance our town.

Our infrastructure and services should be maintained at a level that makes our community a desirable one in which to live and do business. Our town government should be an open book to the residents. Meetings should be informative and open to input. Information about the town and its health should be freely available without having to jump through hoops. Special Meetings and Executive Sessions should be held very sparingly, and only when necessary. The town should be using technology to enhance access to the residents who do not have time to drop everything and attend a meeting, only to have it go into executive session and learn nothing.

If elected Supervisor, you’ll see these things put into place as quickly as possible. Town meetings will be open, informative, and honest. The Town Hall will be a place where you’ll be welcome to come in and do business with our employees, and they’ll be happy to help you in any way possible. They will be empowered to do the right thing for our constituents. To serve the public they are employed by.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet many, many more people over the coming months and share my thoughts and ideas directly with you, as well as listen to yours about how you feel the town government should function. We will work together to bring the Town of Gaines to new highs!

Thank you,

Joe Grube

Candidate for Supervisor

Town of Gaines