CANTON -- There is a new highway superintendent in town.

The board made the appointment after officially accepting the letter of resignation from Terry Billings who retired last month.

"(Billings retirement) did not come as a surprise," said Town Councilman Jimmy Smith at the meeting. Smith said Billings had told the board as early as January 2020 that he would retire sometime within the

year.

Smith said Billings had recommended Rose to take over the superintendent's job for the remaining portion of his term.

Rose, who will begin serving in the top spot as of Oct. 12, has worked for the department as a heavy equipment operator for the last 22 years. He is a Canton native. Rose and his wife Colleen have four children and five grandchildren, said a statement from the town.

"For the first time in my memory we have someone coming into the job of highway superintendent with experience in road maintenance and construction," Smith said. "It took a big load off Terry and I think the (town) highway committee, that Calvin stepped forward, and I appreciate it."

"The Town of Canton is fortunate to have an experienced and very capable highway department," said Town Councilman Bob Washo. "Having Calvin, with his years of experience and institutional knowledge, step forward and into this very important role is about the best we could have hoped for following Terry's retirement. It's a testament to Terry's leadership and the ability of the entire department."

"What I admire about Calvin is his strong work ethic, positive attitude, respectfulness and sense of humor," said Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley. "We look forward to working closely with him. Our highway department employees are the most hard-working individuals I know. They are a strong team and I am confident Calvin will lead in a strategic style of being visionary, enthusiastic, decisive, enduring, knowledgeable, and supportive of others."

Rose will be compensated $62,500 and will serve out the term of former Highway Superintendent Terry Billings until Dec. 31, 2021.

"Well I'm a man of few words so I will keep it short. I would like to thank the board for being appointed. It's a great opportunity," said Rose. "Also I would like to thank my family and friends for encouraging me to do it."