James ‘Pat’ Patterson

Why are you running for highway superintendent?

With over 30 years of comprehensive experience, including 13 years as a superintendent of highways, I was appointed Town of Monroe Highway Superintendent in September 2022. During this time, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many community members to better understand the needs of each.

What are the top three things you plan to accomplish if elected?

The top three issues are funding and the cost of materials, road infrastructure, and protecting our equipment. I will continue to educate myself on different processes and products we can utilize for increased longevity.

Our commitment to maintaining infrastructure will continue by ensuring all town roads, catch basins, culverts, and sidewalks are assessed on a regular basis, including a road paving schedule. I will continue to meet with our legislators in Albany to advocate for additional funding. Our roads were not made for the traffic and size of vehicles that travel on them today. Every town road will continue to be evaluated to understand their stabilization needs before they are treated. By assessing our fleet inventory regularly, we will continue to ensure proper maintenance and safety to maintain our roadways adequately.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have proudly called Monroe home for nine years, along with my wife, Barbara, a longtime Monroe resident, and stepdaughter, Sofia. I am also the father of two sons, Andrew and Stephen, and proud grandfather to Isabella and Stephen.

I believe in the importance of giving back and do so as a Monroe Joint Fire District Commissioner, Hudson Valley Honor Flight donor, vice president of the American Public Works Association, and member of the Orange County Highway Superintendents Association.

Feel free to add information about your background and qualifications.

My management of highway operations is rooted in understanding the job from the ground up, having served in various roles ranging from equipment operator and mechanic to maintaining a Class D water license and understanding intricate municipal water systems. While we have accomplished a great deal in the past year, our work is just beginning. I look forward to continuing to build on what we’ve started and humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 7.