Person of the Year 2007

Kenneth Kraft

Ken’s public service career started with a bit of misfortune and luck. After deciding that college was not for him, he went looking for employment. Ken applied to the Putnam County Highway Department for a position as a laborer. Recognizing Ken’s ability, the Highway Department gave him a position as an Engineering Aide. Ken went on to serve in various positions including Road & Safety Inspector, Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and Facilities Manager during his 24 year career with Putnam County. During this time Ken also attended Dutchess and Westchester Community Colleges where he followed a Civil Engineering curriculum. Ken periodically attended training programs such as the Westchester County Traffic Technicians Training Program, and courses offered by Cornell Local Roads Program where attained the Road Master II status in 2002.

In seeking to take his career to the next level, Ken accepted an offer from the Village of Croton on Hudson to become the Superintendent of Public Works in 1995. During his tenure in the Village, Ken was faced with a wide variety of problems in addition to the blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, and water main breaks which are usual events in the public works field. Ken’s ability to get things done while maintaining a high level of professionalism was a key to his success. Through this success he gained the respect of his staff, fellow employees, and the residents of the Village. In August of 2007, Ken retired from the Village of Croton on Hudson.

Ken’s contribution to WCAMPWA was also significant. He has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He is currently on the Board of Directors. Among his accomplishments as President with WCAMPWA were the creation of the web site, and the name change of this award to the Person of the Year. This resulted in the first female recipient of the award in 2005.

While Ken made a career in the field of public works, his real passion is officiating track and field events. Ken is a high school, college, and nationally certified track and field official, and is currently the First Vice President of the New York State Track Officials Association. Ken and his wife Janet of 15 years reside in Poughkeepsie with their three cats. Ken stays active in the community by sitting on the Planning Board for the City of Poughkeepsie. Although Ken has retired from the public works field, he is not retiring. He owns and operates the Crafted Kup coffeehouse in Poughkeepsie.

While Ken says he will miss being a public servant, he will always in one way or another continue to serve the public for many years to come. We wish Ken the best of luck in retirement, and his new business.