ELDRED, NY — A woman in the audience inquired about the duties of the deputy supervisor’s job. The question was not answered directly, so the River Reporter asked.

Supervisor John Pizzolato said he looked to his new deputy, Glenn Pontier, as his “sounding board” in supporting the financial well-being of the town. He said he also relies on town board member Kaitlyn Haas, the former deputy supervisor, for her experience. 

Pizzolato said his job has two main parts.

“I spend 80 percent of my time looking for funding opportunities and to keep us safe,” he said.

Pontier has already served as supervisor. Pizzolato said during the storm of January 15, while he was away for a four-day conference, Pontier was communicating with the highway superintendent and town clerk, just as he would have done if he were in town himself.

Earlier, during the meet-and-greet, Pizzolato pointed to Pontier’s many connections in the public and private sector that help him raise funds for good causes. During a discussion of Pontier’s non-military-service during Vietnam, Pizzolato asked, “What does this have to do with someone getting grants from Sullivan Renaissance?” Pontier has worked for Sullivan Renaissance, a beautification and community development program founded by Sandra and Alan Gerry,

But Pontier and Pizzolato would not commit Pontier to a grant-writing gig during his term as deputy supervisor.

“I look at this like the vice president,” Pontier told the River Reporter. He will “offer support,” he said. “But the job is to be ready.”

The deputy supervisor’s job is unpaid.