Boston Town Board members say goodbye to town clerk

“I’ve always felt that being a public servant is more than a job; it’s a way of life,” said departing Boston Town Clerk David Shenk, as he said goodbye to friends and coworkers in Boston at his last board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15. “Whether we are elected or appointed, we are charged with taking on a significant role in our community.”

Shenk has been appointed as the Erie County comptroller and said he will resign as the town clerk “after a number of administrative transition items are completed.” He said he looks back with pride on the years he has spent working in Boston.

“I have worked hard for the town of Boston,” he said, in his farewell address to the board. “I’m very proud of the many accomplishments made during my service to benefit our residents.” One of those is the David Shenk Foundation, an organization that has and will continue to provide grants for the non-profit groups throughout the town of Boston. Shenk stressed that what was accomplished during his time spent in the town was “the result of a team effort.”

“The list [of town accomplishments] goes on and on, and it is my sincere hope that the residents agree that my efforts and the efforts of my staff have fully been an asset to our town,” he said.

“I have walked up the front steps of this building for 20 years,” Shenk continued. “During this time, I have had the privilege of working with five different town supervisors, four different highway superintendents, five town attorneys and approximately 23 councilmen – it’s hard to count all you guys – and they’ve all brought something of value to our town. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to serve with all of you.”

Shenk’s political journey began in 1991, with his stated goal of “[making his] mark in Western New York. “After my run for the Erie County Legislature and after considering a run for the New York State Assembly, I began to think my goal was out of reach,” he said. “Today, I’m honored to be ... Erie County comptroller.”

Shenk said that he is indebted to many individuals. “I would be remiss if I did not thank the town board of today and of days past,” he said. “You have always been supportive of my military service, whether it was training or deployment to a combat zone. Your support of me and the town clerk’s office was tremendous and I can’t thank you enough.”

But the soon-to-be comptroller said he was especially grateful to specific people in his life. “I’m sad to end my 10 years as Boston town clerk and also by the fact that my father cannot be here to share this moment,” he said. “My father was such a big part of my life and also [of] my success. I can never thank him enough for everything that he did for me. He was my biggest supporter and is truly missed.”

He also thanked his wife Polly for standing by him through “so many challenges: deployments, campaigns and the many hours I’ve spent away from home.”

Shenk recommended current Deputy Town Clerk Jennifer Mule’ to his vacated position. “You will not find another person better qualified to serve in this capacity,” he said.

Town Supervisor Martin Ballowe said, “I’ve known David for about 30 years, not just the two years I’ve worked here. We’ve known each other for quite a long time before I stepped into this building.”

Ballowe said he looks back on Shenk’s time in Boston politics with fondness. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him the last two years, which is actually fun, because you’re working with someone you grew up with, so you’re not only working, you get to reminisce and actually enjoy other than just doing daily work,” Ballowe said.

“David, it’s actually been a pleasure working with you. I had a great time. It’s nice to work with a friend, especially someone you spent pretty much more than half your life with.”

In another matter, the “Orchard Park Press” has been made the official newspaper of Boston. The reason was originally cited as “due to circulation,” but the switch is also a “huge cost savings” for the town, according to the board.

Residents present at the board meeting said that this paper is “unknown to [the] taxpayers,” the cost for subscription is higher and that, to access the “Press” online, one must have a Facebook® profile. Also, the town of Orchard Park does not itself utilize the “Press” because of a lack of circulation.

One resident said he believed the decision “was not made in the best interest of this town.”

Ballowe pointed out that, while the switch saves money on legal notices, Hamburg’s “The Sun” and the “Springville Journal” are still welcome to cover Boston, which is included in the two papers’ coverage areas. “It’s hard to get a true number on the circulation without seeing every resident who pays,” he said. “We don’t know who really buys what in the town of Boston. For legal notices, it’s going to be a huge cost savings. For watching out for the taxpayers’ money, I think it’s a good choice.”

In other matters:

- The board approved the site plan for the Emerling Chevrolet dealership, based on a recommendation by the planning board.

- Jason Keding applied to serve on the conservation committee.

- The highway department has fill available “for anyone who wants fill,” according to Superintendent of Highways Robert Telaak. “We also have woodchips [and] we have a little bit of wood, for anyone who wants wood,” he added.

- Councilman Jeffery Genzel reported that the town received a $3,000 grant for the Boston Cross Road trench relief. He has been in contact with Jim Hannan, the town engineer, to start engineering this project. “The money will be here on April 1,” said Genzel.

- Regarding the planning board, Genzel said, “We’re always looking for volunteers. If anybody out there is interested in becoming a planning board member, we sure would like to have you, and if you’re interested, send a letter with your request to the town clerk.”

- The town is looking into having a Fourth of July event at the town hall. “We did a tour of the park to see where the best thought would be for the fireworks display,” said Genzel. “This is in the infant stages. We’d like to have our community groups, such as soccer, sporting [and the] historical society. We’d like to have a band under the shelter.”

He continued, “If anyone would like to donate money, let us know, and the supervisor’s office will be handling that.”

- Councilman Jay Boardway reported that he spoke at a public hearing at Erie Community College’s south campus “regarding the unappeased decision to end bus routes to the town of Boston.” He said, “I emphasized the importance of the bus route’s being in this area particularly, and to the Southtowns as a whole.

“It’s more than likely going to turn into a rate hike situation,” Boardway continued, “but they are hoping to salvage the service that we have, the 74 route that comes down Boston State Road.”

He said, “The primary goal of my address was to show them that they would not simply be in this alone; we’re not just begging for a bus service. The town has made a substantial investment here. We’ve got a 38-spot park and ride down on the other side of town ... that we light [and] plow. We have the bids already out for the contracts for the bus shelter we’re installing.”

The next meeting will be held March 7 at 7:30 p.m.