Sennett voters reject proposal to appoint highway superintendent: Job will remain elected

Voters have officially said ‘no’ to change in the town of Sennett. In a recent referendum, voters decisively shot down a proposal to transition the position of highway superintendent from an elected one to an appointed role.

The proposition saw nearly 60% of voters opposing the change, while 40% voted in favor. This decision comes at a time when many towns are considering similar shifts, with the requirement that such a change must be approved by voters.

The Sennett town board had proposed this change following the announcement by Kris LaPointe, the long-serving elected highway superintendent since 2009, that he would not seek reelection, according to reporting by The Citizen.

The board, citing difficulties in finding qualified candidates for the role, expressed in their March meeting minutes and subsequent discussions that an appointed position might attract more competent individuals.

Despite the town board’s argument about the challenges in finding qualified candidates, the election for the highway superintendent saw Republican Bruce Babilot running unopposed. Garnering 653 votes, Babilot will be sworn in as the new highway superintendent in January.

Staff Report

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