THOMPSON — Voters in the Town of Thompson will head to the polls this November to decide between two familiar names for town supervisor: Democratic incumbent William Rieber Jr. and Republican challenger Scott Mace. This marks the second time the two have faced off for the top town seat.

Rieber, who has served as supervisor for the past 12 years and on the town board since 1981, is campaigning on his record of infrastructure upgrades, financial stability, and park expansion. Mace, a current councilman, says it’s time for a change and offers a platform focused on fiscal conservatism, increased transparency, and community engagement.

In separate interviews, both candidates laid out their visions for the town and responded to key issues facing Thompson, from development and housing to casino revenues and infrastructure maintenance.

Experience vs. Change

Rieber says he has his decades of municipal service and deep roots in the community. “This is where I live. This is where my family lives,” said Rieber, whose children and grandchildren reside in the town. He pointed to successes such as securing over $20 million in infrastructure funding, developing parks like Lake Ida in Rock Hill, and maintaining 11 consecutive years of tax reductions.

Mace, meanwhile, said it’s time for fresh energy in town government. “I’ve watched our fund balances decrease the last couple years. It’s nice to get a tax decrease, but we should be setting some of that aside for the future,” he said. As a full-time candidate with no business ties, Mace says he can dedicate himself 100 percent to the role.

Growth and Development

Both candidates agree that managing the town’s rapid growth is a top priority.

Rieber stressed strategic planning, citing the town’s updated comprehensive plan, currently under public review. He defended the town’s environmental oversight, noting that developments are screened to preserve natural beauty and that new construction is tied to available water and sewer capacity.

Mace, who said he was excluded from the comprehensive plan committee, believes more board voices should have been involved. He also proposes establishing special zoning for lake communities to streamline permits and protect water quality. “If we’re not growing, we’re dying,” Mace said, “but it needs to be smart growth.”

Financial Strategy

The impact of casino revenues came up in both interviews. Rieber credited the casino and nearby development with boosting local employment and generating sales tax. However, he acknowledged that host community payments have remained flat.

Mace expressed concern that revenues are already declining with new downstate casinos on the horizon. “We’ve already seen a 25 percent decrease in revenue since Newburgh [Resorts World Hudson Valley] opened,” he said. He believes the town should aggressively pursue cost-saving strategies and prepare for further reductions.

Infrastructure and Housing

Rieber detailed a long list of sewer and water upgrades under way, including work on Harris, Melody Lake, and Sackett Lake systems. He talked about planning ahead and leveraging grants to fund multi-million-dollar projects.

Mace agreed infrastructure is critical but said more attention must be paid to affordable housing. He cited the Golden Ridge development as a successful model and said he was frustrated that housing costs are driving residents away.

Parks and Community

Parks were a point of pride for both candidates. Rieber highlighted acquisitions and improvements at multiple locations, including the creation of a dog park and expanded recreational programs.

Mace, who also supports park development, said he wants to ensure continued funding and programming. He stressed the value of offering experiences to residents who might not otherwise access them, such as trips to the Bronx Zoo or Museum of Natural History.

Transparency and Communication

Mace criticized the current administration for limiting public input and board participation. He said that groups wanting to present to the board have been turned away and that he was often left out of internal discussions. “Everybody deserves to be heard and respected,” Mace said.

Rieber defended his record as inclusive and said decisions are made based on data and planning. He pointed to his long-standing involvement in community organizations and fire service as evidence of his accessibility and dedication.

Election Day Nears

As early voting is underway and November 4 approaches, both candidates say they are committed to serving the entire community.

“I’m steady, I’m involved, and I really do have a handle on where things have to be,” said Rieber.

Mace offered a different vision: “I can’t promise miracles, but I can promise honesty, fairness, and hard work.”