Supervisors say goodbye...

12/20/2017

By Patsy Nicosia

Schoharie County supervisors wrapped up 2017 with some sad goodbyes Friday, remembering William Proudman, Conesville supervisor from 1994-1999, who died December 5, and also former Department of Public Works employee Roderick Jorgensen, who died last Wednesday.
Mr. Proudman, 84, was remembered as a quiet man with a big smile whose common sense as a dairy farmer was an asset to the board.
“He was a good friend of mine,” said Esperance Supervisor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Earl Van Wormer, “and I was proud to serve with him. He was quiet, hard-working, and honest. I still smile and think of him when I drive by the old farm. We won’t forget him.”
Other supervisors pointed to the role Mr. Proudman had in securing funding for the firehouse and town barn and then working to see them built.
His was also one of 10 farms that served as pilot farms for the New York City Watershed protection efforts.
Mr. Jorgensen was also acknowledged.
A charter member of the Esperance Elks and a former member of the Central Bridge Fire Department, he retired from a maintenance job with DPW to putter, play golf, and spend time with his family.
On less final notes, supervisors also recognized outgoing supervisors Dave Simkins from Broome, Shawn Smith from Blenheim, and Larry Bradt, longtime supervisor from Carlisle.
“We’ll miss you terribly,” Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague said to Mr. Bradt. “You’ve always put the people first.”
Asked if he had any advice to share, Mr. Bradt told supervisors something they already knew: That theirs is a difficult job.
“It’s not an easy job. It’s a very difficult job,” Mr. Bradt said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to decide which way to vote.”
Mr. Bradt is being replaced by John Leavitt.
Mr. Smith is being replaced by Don Airey, and Mr. Simkins by Stephen Weinhofer.
None of the three incumbents ran again for supervisor; the three new supervisors are Republicans, leaving Sandra Manko, Sharon, and Phil Skowfoe, Fulton, as the only Democrats on the 16-seat board.