By LOHR McKINSTRY
ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County Highway Superintendent Frederick Buck surprised county lawmakers Monday by announcing his pending retirement.
Buck told the County Board of Supervisors he's been thinking for some time about retiring but finally made up his mind last week.
His retirement is effective Dec. 18.
The County Public Works Committee immediately named Deputy Superintendent Anthony LaVigne to take Buck's place.
LaVigne must be confirmed by final vote Dec. 7. His salary will need to be determined by then, County Manager Daniel Palmer said.
Buck was making about $85,600 after 16 years on the job, and LaVigne, after 25 years with the county, received $71,000. LaVigne is a licensed engineer.
A Crown Point resident, Buck came to the county after working for a private construction firm.
Supervisor William Ferebee (R-Keene), vice chair of the Public Works Committee, praised the work done by Buck during his tenure.
"Any question or concern I had in the Town of Keene he answered. I know I'll miss him. He did a good job."
When Buck started as highway chief, the county's roads were in need of repair, Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava (R-Moriah) said.
"The condition of the infrastructure in this county was deplorable. Fred has worked hard to upgrade our highways. He will surely be missed."
Scozzafava said that since the closure of the Champlain Bridge at Crown Point, Buck has worked to find alternatives and get things on the path to a new bridge.
The bridge closed Oct. 16 after severe cracks were found in concrete piers. The state has promised to build a new span as quickly as possible and start a free ferry service next to the bridge in the meantime.
Buck said he will stay active on the Champlain Bridge Public Advisory Committee.
He recommended the county promote LaVigne.
"I would highly like to recommend my deputy, Tony LaVigne, to replace me as superintendent. I have never known as hard a worker as Tony."
Supervisor Dale French (R-Crown Point) moved to advance LaVigne to superintendent.
"I feel Anthony LaVigne can more than do the job," Scozzafava said.
Board of Supervisors Chair Cathy Moses (R-Schroon) said Buck has done an excellent job and that she believes LaVigne will also.
"I think Tony is the right person."
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
