Town of Thompson Supervisor William Rieber Jr. is running for re-election, aiming to continue the work he’s led over the past 12 years.
Rieber, who has served on the town board in some capacity since the early 1980s, said he still enjoys the job — even if it’s not glamorous. “It’s a lot of boring grunt work,” he said. “But I get real satisfaction out of the good results we’re seeing.”
Those results, he said, include new parks and infrastructure upgrades across the town. Under his leadership, Thompson has expanded from one park to several, including the 140-acre Lake Ida Park in Rock Hill and a river access park in Neversink. “Parks are forever,” Rieber said. “Once you protect that land, it’s there for everyone.”
Rieber pointed to roughly $65 to $75 million in ongoing water and sewer projects and credited his administration for securing federal infrastructure grants and keeping the town on strong financial footing. “We’ve had 11 straight years of tax reductions,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rieber wants to finish work on the Comprehensive Plan and continue improving recreational spaces, including a new dog park and pavilion for family gatherings. He said managing growth remains a challenge: “Everybody wants affordable housing, but nobody likes a crowd. Finding that balance is key.”
Rieber said he’s running on experience and consistency. “I’ve been here all my life,” he said. “I know this community, and I care deeply about where it’s headed.”