Recently, Senator Griffo stopped in to visit Town of Preston Supervisor Zachary Meseck. They discussed a variety of topics including grant funding, mentorship, and how working together, they can be of help to the community. (Submitted Photo)

PRESTON — Earlier this month, New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo visited the Town of Preston to discuss local issues.

Preston Town Supervisor Zachary Meseck said “Earlier this year, I had gone up to Albany and met with the group The Upstate Association of Towns, a few people from Chenango County, and other people in the region to meet with Senator Griffo and discuss issues including direct pay for ambulance workers, funding for research on tick borne illnesses, and to discuss the Ash Beetle Disease and what the state can do to help.”

“The senator gave us advice on ambulance workers and spoke of the bill that had been sitting in the house for about seven years. He recommended reaching out to specific individuals in the senate and in that field that could help get it passed,” said Meseck.

He explained there are people who take advantage of the system and take the checks that are supposed to go to ambulance workers.

“That's part of what's contributing to the ambulance and EMS system not having enough funds,” he said.

"He led us to the individuals to lobby and get the ball rolling and that is what we did and possibly this is what helped support the bill through or possibly it was just excellent timing," said Meseck.

He credited the senator for giving him the advice to help get it passed.

"I've always been a component of EMS and the ambulance service being an essential service and I've worked with Senator Oberacker in the past and he advocated for it," he said. "I think it makes a lot of sense but if it does become an essential service it could become another unfunded mandate that counties and municipalities will struggle with, to find the funding to purchase the ambulance."

"I understand both arguments but personally believe it should be an essential service. If you're having a heart attack, you shouldn't have to wait 40 minutes, which has happened in our county," he added.

He said, "I think the big thing is local issues, looking for grant funding for town improvements and continually working with the board to see what our next plans are.”

"So, when the senators office reached out and expressed interest in meeting, it was a little surprising because the Town of Preston is small,” said Meseck. 

Meseck was also interested in learning about additional grant opportunities that are available at state level and Griffo shared the information. He said there weren't many opportunities but the state does have funding for the highway department.

He said Senator Griffo offered his support, and mentorship, grant opportunities and to let him know whatever the town might need to get grant funding and looks forward to helping with writing letters and being an asset to the community as a whole, not just Preston but the entire region he represents.

Meseck said he shared advice on serving the community first, getting a real grasp on what it's like to be a leader before moving into other roles such as mayor, senator, etc.

"I was very pleased with our conversation and hope I live up to the senators expectations, whatever they may be," he said.

"We can use representatives that take in everything that goes on," said Meseck. "I appreciate him taking the time to come down and also share a bit about himself.”

"I think the big thing is local issues, looking for grant funding for town improvements and continually working with the board to see what our next plans are,” Meseck said.

He said in his first term he made two simple promises, create a new website for the town and also replace old equipment in the town's parks. He did both with the support of the board and grant funding. He said the town hall and court were also refurbished with grant funding.

"I'm fortunate to have a supportive board and hope to work with them to pave a path for a brighter future for Preston,” said Meseck. "I really appreciate that we have some great local representatives and it was cool to have a state senator visit and take an interest."

Senator Griffo said during his most recent trip to Chenango County, he and his staff members scheduled in to visit with Meseck and get to know him better. Griffo said he was very impressed with Meseck and thinks it's great to have his type of energy and enthusiasm about public service in the community.

"I do this at a number of communities and also met with the Village of New Berlin Mayor Lennon and elected officials in the area, particularly the heads of the government such as town supervisors, mayors, and county administrators," said Griffo.

He said he likes getting out and getting into the communities and interacting with the people.

"It's challenging but it's something I believe in," he said. "I wanted to get to Preston, learn about the town and talk about some of the general challenges. I look forward to working with him and I enjoyed getting to know him better."

"I tell people I wish I could split myself in half but I can't. I'm going to do the best I can to get around and to continue to be the best advocate of the community as I can," he added.