Ted Riehle of Old Forge announced today that he is a candidate for the position of Town of Webb Supervisor.

Riehle, a lifelong Town of Webb resident, has worked at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant for the past 15 years.

For all but the first of those years Riehle has served as the plant’s department head.

The quality of his fiscal and environmental management of the plant have been recognized by state and national agencies.

Riehle said his work with state agencies to develop an asset management program has been one of his greatest accomplishments.

If elected Riehle said he would like to initiate the same type of program for the town, which would lead to a capital improvement plan and the establishment of capital reserve funds.

“Long-term asset management planning is critical for both the fiscal and environmental well-being of any Adirondack municipality, according to Riehle.

“Without environmental responsiblity, where are we as a tourist community?” he said.

“I think the board has been diligent in the budget process, and I am certain I have something worthwhile to add.”

Riehle said he has enjoyed a good working relationship with the town board throughout the years, including former Supervisor George Hiltebrant and present Supervisor Robert Moore.

Riehle said his current position requires that he work closely with other departments on cross-over projects, and he said he is appreciative of the talent and effort given by the town’s workforce.

“I know 99 percent of them and I think the town is lucky to have these people on staff. One of the difficulties of living in a tourist area is that between seasons the departments have to pull some complicated things together in a short period of time. They always manage to pull it off,” he said.

Riehle has been a member of the Town of Webb Planning Board since March 2000, and was appointed its chairman by the Webb Town Board in October 2004.

He said he and his fellow board members have met a number of challenges the past few years, due to the town’s growth and development.

Riehle said he believes the Planning Board has conducted itself well and made some solid contributions to the Town of Webb.

“You get to be intimately involved with projects that will ultimately have a big impact on the town through development, subdivisions, and Main Street construction. All the while we have to be conscious of the economic impacts associated with them,” he said.

Riehle said he would not have chosen to run for supervisor if he felt the wastewater treatment plant would not be in capable hands, should he end up winning.

“I had to be concerned with the succession at the plant because it’s such an important aspect of the town—a multimillion dollar facility. But I am confident that my assistant operator John Mitchell could continue in that capacity,” Riehle said.

Mitchell has served as assistant operator for the past four-and-a-half years, and Riehle said he has shown proficiency in every aspect of running the facility.

He has recently become certified as a water operator and he also works for Mark Hudon of the DPW.

“And if I were to be elected supervisor, I’m still a licensed operator and could assist with backup,” Riehle said.

Riehle said he gave serious consideration to all factors before deciding to become a candidate.

“I’d be looking at a big career move, but I think I can help the town as supervisor. I honestly know that if they will have me, I will serve the voters to the best to my ability,” he said.

Riehle is the third candidate to announce he will be running for supervisor following Robert Moore’s decision not to seek reelection.

Last week, former Supervisor George Hiltebrant and Council-man Richard Risley also announced their candidacies for the position.