To the Editor:

 

With the support of my family, I am excited to be running for the position of Supervisor with the opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of the Town of Webb.

The decision to run was not one I took lightly. I had talked to a good cross-section of the community and received many words of support before deciding to announce my candidacy last March.

Since then many summer residents have returned, and I would like to introduce myself and share some thoughts and ideas as I seek this office.

I have been actively campaigning and look forward to seeing as many voters as possible in the coming weeks.

Being a lifelong resident of the Town, I believe this is a great place to live, raise a family and retire.

The past 14 years I have served as a department head for the Town, managing the Old Forge Wastewater Treatment Plant.

During this time I feel I have met challenges and found solutions in the department and shown the ability to be proactive.

The department has been honored with awards from State and Federal agencies and a major industry organization.

We have steadily increased efficiencies, worked within realistic budgets, improved water quality and decreased costs of operation.

Our department developed an asset management plan that included capital improvements through reserve funds. These programs have allowed the district to realize financial sustainability despite the tough economy we’ve all been facing.

I believe this type of approach could benefit the Town as a whole. I feel realistic operation and maintenance budgets, prioritization of major projects and capital improvement programs will help improve fiscal responsibility in all departments.

My past 11 years serving on the Planning Board, seven as chair, have given me the experience to effectively oversee a board and conduct public meetings.

The Planning Board process often involves decisions that would affect the Town as a whole. As such it requires straight facts, attention to detail, and careful consideration of the public’s input.

Our main industry is tourism and we are fortunate to be a desirable destination area.

We need to maintain our existing infrastructures, exhibit environmental stewardship and be aware of clean water initiatives, for our area to continue to attract visitors.

Local healthcare is an increasing concern given the rising costs, complexity of the healthcare system and our location.

Standard operating procedures that have worked well in the past don’t necessarily meet the changing needs of the community today.

I am willing to work together with everyone that has a stake in our local healthcare situation.

I intend to identify and prioritize concerns and make needed changes to better serve our community in the future.

I feel I have worked well with other departments and the Town Board in the past and look forward to the challenges going forward.

Your help and support would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Theodore C. Riehle, Jr.

Candidate for

Town of Webb Supervisor