Politics & Government

Yorktown Highway Superintendent Race: Q&A with Dave Paganelli

Editor's Note: We asked the candidates for Yorktown Highway Superintendent – Yorktown councilman Dave Paganelli (R) and Thomas Diana (D) – a series of questions before the Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Below are Paganelli's responses. 

Patch: Why did you decide to run for election?


Paganelli: I love serving the people of Yorktown and when this opportunity presented itself, I knew it was a good fit. I am a unifier, not a dividing conqueror. I believe in encouraging open dialogue with employees to bring out the best in them. We have great employees in the highway department and their experience will help me do my job well.

I have the knowledge to complete a 5 million-dollar Highway budget and to innovatively finance capital projects, including maintaining our infrastructure. Without funding, this department cannot function to its full potential. As your Town Councilman I have helped successfully complete one 50 million-dollar budget and am currently working on the second, and as the Chairman of the Northern Westchester Joint Water Works, two 10 million-dollar budgets. 

I have the necessary experience. I am ready to hit the ground running to deliver the level of service you have come to expect and hopefully more. I am not a business as usual type of guy. I have already reached out to other Highway Superintendents for additional fresh perspectives. 

I have the ability and desire to work 24/7 to serve you and I will always be available. I don’t have any side businesses that will pull my attention elsewhere. I am beholding to no one. I have  not taken any campaign contributions from anyone who would benefit financially from contracts with the highway department. As your Councilman I have proven to be a strong, confident and independent leader.

Patch: What personal or professional experiences qualify you to serve as highway superintendent?

Paganelli: The position of Highway Superintendent is a hands-on managerial position. I have over 33 years of experience managing between 25 and 40 employees. In addition to my 33 years of managerial experience, I have experience in the following areas, though I am certainly not an expert in all: 

  • I have a Class A CDL with Hazmat; 
  • I have experience in commercial blacktopping and snow plowing; 
  • I acted as general contractor overseeing all aspects of a $2 million renovation; 
  • I have real municipal budgeting experience: Two $50 million budgets and two $10 million budgets; 
  • I helped coordinate 24/7 emergency response during Hurricane Sandy, including documenting damage during and after the storm for FEMA reimbursement; 
  • I work well with others, including the Town Supervisor and my fellow Town Board members.

Patch: What are the top three issues facing town residents?


Paganelli: When it comes to what people are looking for from their highway department, their top concerns are paving, plowing and taxes. A properly managed highway department budget and motivated highway employees are necessary to make sure these issues are addressed each year. I am confident I can help build morale and trust with both highway employees and Yorktown residents.

Patch: Describe your campaign platform or how you differentiate yourself from your opponent's platform?

Paganelli:  I believe this position is a management position comprised of the ability to manage 29 employees, produce a successful budget, allocate assets, maintain equipment and bring out the best in our already great employees. Our Highway Superintendent needs to be someone who knows how to build trust, can manage people effectively, is dependable and committed to our Town. I know I am that person. I am a person that leads by example. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to work beside our employees when necessary as I did for years in my own  business. 

For the past 33 years I have invested time and energy into helping my fellow residents. Personally and through my business I have supported many of the organizations that directly benefit our community. I am a proven entity. I am not newly emerged on the scene. Long before considering public service I was dedicated to helping our town. My commitment has always been unconditional and pure of heart.

Patch: Should you be re-elected, what would you like to achieve over the course 
of your term?

Paganelli: Within the first six months, I will develop a paving plan so that every resident in Yorktown will know when their road is scheduled to be paved. Additionally, I promise to work well with the School Districts to provide safe roads that carry our children; work hand-in-hand with the Police Department and Fire Companies to address immediate as well as long-term safety concerns; continue and expand our maintenance program to eliminate sign-obstructing brush and dangerous trees, clean catch basins, clean gutters, and much more.

Patch: Is there anything we haven't asked that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy?

Paganelli: I have the honor of being endorsed by: CSEA 860 (which represents our Town employees), Yorktown Congress of Teachers, Yonkers Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, Teamsters Local 456, Westchester/Putnam Buildings & Trades Council consisting of over 30 labor unions.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here