August 17, 2011 - SAVANNAH - Two Town of Savannah highway department employees are seeking the Republican nod to run for Superintendent of Highways.

This could be the last year that Savannah residents get to choose their Superintendent of Highways. On August 8, the Town Board voted 3-2 to place a measure on the ballot to replace the elected position with one that the Board would fill by appointment, says Town Supervisor Kenneth Lauderdale. Lauderdale, a supporter of the measure, says it would allow Savannah to transfer the highway superintendent’s administrative duties to other town employees. Thereby, it would free the superintendent to spend more time working directly with the town’s road crew, decrease the need to hire part-time or seasonal employees and cut the town’s costs, Lauderdale says. If voters approve the measure, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

As registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats in Savannah by a wide margin, the winner of the September 13 primary could cruise to office in November. Savannah’s highway superintendent serves for two years at an annual salary of $43,500, says Julie Carey, Town Clerk of Savannah. The highway department’s 2011 budget came to $449,000.

Allen Sherman
Allen Sherman, Superintendent of Highways for the Town of Savannah, wants registered Republicans to head to the polls on September 13 and give him a chance to run for a fourth term.   

Sherman says he began working on Savannah’s road crew about 30 years ago. He spent 20 years as a foreman before being elected superintendent in 2006.  
“The biggest job is taking care of the road, (and) trying to keep all of the equipment maintained,” the 51-year-old says.  

Sherman says he supervises three full-time workers most of the year and during the winter months, two additional part-time workers come on board to help plow the roads.“Snow removal, keeping the roads clear  that’s the most costly thing,” he says.

John King, Jr.
John King. Jr. says Savannah residents could save the town money by selecting him as their candidate for Superintendent of Highways.  “I will be a working highway superintendent that works along with my guys,” he says.  

King says that by working on Savannah’s road crew while supervising the department, he would save the town the cost of one paying one worker.
“The town would save money, and our taxes won’t go up,” he says.

King says he has spent nearly 16 years on the highway department’s road crew, helping to maintain Savannah’s roads and keep them clear. He also helps run King’s Farm, his family’s 130-acre farm, and referees youth football games in the fall. The 42-year-old is married, and a father and stepfather.