Ray Dlugokinski

Ray Dlugokinski

Highway Superintendent

Letter To The Editor
Former Highway Superintendent Endorses Dlugokinski - 2005
By Norman J. Mrkall
October 19, 2005 . . .
Dear Island Residents,
   For over 25 years I worked to build, operate, and maintain a highly efficient highway department, earning an A+ rating from Western New York's media as well as being profiled in a state-wide publication. This was accomplished at the lowest possible cost and always within budget.
   This kind of success requires much teamwork and I had the BEST! My deputy and "right-hand man," Ray Dlugokinski, worked by my side most of those years and deserves much of the credit.
   Upon my retirement, to the credit of the Town Board, they unanimously appointed Ray to serve as Highway Superintendent, an office for which he was eminently qualified. Ray chose to seek election to that position and has been successfully elected twice.
   While serving as your highway superintendent I kept politics out of the job. Ray operates in the same manner. I therefore urge you to re-elect Ray Dlugokinski, who continues to operate and maintain a very efficient and cost-effective highway department. He certainly has the credentials and experience which are the keys to success.
   I will always be grateful for your many years of support and ask that you continue your support of Ray Dlugokinski, our Highway Superintendent.

Sincerely yours,

Norman J. Mrkall

Re-Elect Ray Dlugokinski Highway Superintendent

Miles of Experience working for you

- 39 Years of on the Job Experience

o Laborer

o Equipment Operator

o Crew Chief

o Deputy Highway Superintendent – 26 years

o Highway Superintendent – 6 years

- A+ Snow and Ice Removal rating

- Operates a Modern Efficient Highway Department

- Has Recovered more than $58,000.00 of Snow Emergency Funds for Grand Island

- On going Highway Superintendents Informational and Continuous Education and Training programs

o Ithaca College

o Cornell University’s Local Roads Programs

o New York State Comptroller’s Professional Training Programs

Endorsed by: Republican – Conservative – Independence Parties

Raymond Dlugokinski Seeks Re-election As Highway Superintendent - 2005

   September 29, 2005 . . . Raymond Dlugokinski has announced his bid for re-election as Grand Island's Highway Superintendent. He has been endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties.
   A 39 year employee of the Department, Dlugokinski currently holds the position of Highway Superintendent. He started as a laborer, was moved up to motor equipment operator, then promoted to crew chief and from there appointed Deputy Superintendent by Norm Mrkall 29 years ago. Dlugokinski has been elected twice as Highway Superintendent and has made the Grand Island Highway Department one of the best in Western New York, earning an A+ rating for snow removal.
   The knowledge that he brings to the position has proven invaluable. There is no substitute for experience, and Dlugokinski has worked every job that is done by the Highway Department. He is able to apply this knowledge, and in critical situations residents may find him working alongside his fellow employees, checking road conditions or even behind the wheel of a snowplow.
   Dlugokinski is a hands on manager and knows what it takes to make the Highway Department function efficiently. Budgeting, purchasing and employee relations are also his concerns as he must keep his costs within the Department's allocation. His ability as a highway maintenance professional has earned him the respect of others in similar fields who often seek his advice. He has a reputation as one who can solve problems and get things done.
   His professional affiliations include the Erie County and New York State Associations of Highway Superintendents and he is the Audit Chairman for the Erie County Highway Superintendents Association. Dlugokinski received a 5-year award from the School for Highway Superintendents, for classes he has attended at Ithaca College, sponsored by the Association of Towns of the State of New York and Cornell University Local Roads Program. He has certified in the following areas: Asphalt Paving Principles, Reducing Liability for Local Highway Officials, Small Highway Dept. Management, Roadway & Roadside Drainage, Snow and Ice Control Operations for Local Highway Officials, and Powers & Duties of Local Highway Officials.
   Dlugokinski has implemented a program for the Highway Department to service other Town department's vehicles and equipment, and uses highway equipment and facilities to aid the Water, Wastewater and Recreation Departments when they need assistance. A computer program has been created for inventory control, vehicle repair and cost, and pavement management; making the Highway Department more efficient and cost effective. He continues the limb and branch pick up service for residents.
   Dlugokinski is NOT a politician seeking a political job; he is a dedicated employee of the Highway Department, having been voted into office twice by the residents of Grand Island. His love and concern for the Island compels him to excel at his job. His roots are on Grand Island. He attended school here and raised his three sons - James, Stephen and Mark - on the Island. He has been a continual Island resident for 55 years and is married to the former Ann Burns.
   With the voters' approval, Ray Dlugokinski hopes to continue serving the Town.