The Walworthians: Aman
The Walworthians: Aman
A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209
by Kate Chamberlin
John H. Aman, Building Inspector
May 18, 1995, Wayne County STAR Newspaper5
Do you remember Mr. Rogers asking, “Who are the people in your neighborhood? in your neighborhood? in your ne-bor-hood?” That’s the one. He used to sing it.
Well, John H. Aman is the Town Building Inspector and Assessor in our neighborhood.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Penfield influenced him toward wanting to be a veterinarian. Life intervened. 15 years after high school, he earned an Agricultural Science Degree from Cornell University.
The desire to be near his extended family and the need of a job, brought the Aman family back to this area. He was living on Cream Ridge Road when he heard about the town’s need for a Building Inspector to enforce the State codes. He applied for the job and was appointed our new Town Building Inspector in 1969.
In 1971, when the town chose to go with the single appointed assessor rather than a panel of three elected people, he added the title and job of Town Assessor. John has attended numerous in-service training courses, seminars and conferences.
“The Association of towns’ meetings,” he says, “provide insights to the new laws, planning, and zoning problems. I find them very helpful. They’re an opportunity to share and learn.”
John has seen Walworth grow by leaps and bounds during his 27 year tenure. The card record keeping formats were just about as numerous. In 1992, more than 90% of the data was re-collected and verified. (Remember Karen Moore coming around?) The data was then entered into a computer.
“Serving a violation notice on a home-owner,” John says, “is the part about my job I don’t like.”
He is not afraid of dogs, but he does go cautiously when the dog and he don’t know each other.
John, whose birthday is April 4th, lives with his wife, Barbara, and teenage son, Benjamin on Atlantic Avenue with Rocky, a Boxer who thinks he’s a person. John built their home in 1979. There are also six grown children who do not live at home.
John reminded me that every town official has a photo identification card. If anyone asks to come into your home, and you do not know them, request to see their ID card and/or call the Town Hall (986-1400) to verify their right to enter your home.
Thanks, John, I’m glad you’re a Walworthian (note the accent is on WORTH).
8/04/2017 Up-Date: A lot has changed since 1995. There is a plethora of information on the Town’s website, but, people are still accessible for that personal touch we might need from time to time. The Building Department can be reached at 315-986-1400.
Norman Druschel is our Building Inspector; 315-986-1400; bldginsp@townofwalworthny.gov
Phil Williamson – Code Enforcement Officer (315) 986-1400; zoning@townofwalworthny.gov
Mary Beth Braman – Clerk (315) 986-1400; bldgclk@townofwalworthny.gov