To the Editor:

Bill Bichteman is running for Westerlo Supervisor.

Those who are familiar with Bill know he is not prone to self-endorsement or adulation and have noted his sentences seldom start with “I.” Bill rarely speaks of his distinguished list of personal and professional achievements or his accomplishments and, if boosting is to be the sole measure of a candidate’s qualifications, his abilities would be better served elsewhere.  

Bill comes from an engineering background, graduating in 1967 from Hudson Valley Community College with an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology. He served in the United States Army and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service after reorganizing the 3rd Infantry Divisions, Personnel Services Division prior to his discharge.

Bill has a natural aptitude for order and organization.

Following honorable discharge, Bill worked in the construction industry for several years, for both engineering firms and contractors until forming his own business in 1978 at the age of 31. He grew his business from a fledgling company to a business dealing in multimillion-dollar projects. His success being attributable to hard work and the fact that he was good at it. 

Over the years, Bill has successfully dealt with myriad business situations from payrolls, reconciliations, banking, bonding, project management, accounting, and logistics to basic problem-solving.

In early March of this year, Bill was named acting supervisor of Westerlo, to replace the retiring supervisor, Dick Rapp. Bill went right to work. He suggested replacing the antiquated 30-year-old phone system at the town hall, and ultimately did so with town board consent.

At the same time, he updated the town’s computer network, adding three desktop terminals, a laptop for the assessor and much-needed software upgrades. He also added a 100 mbs secure internet connection to enhance the new phone system, cutting the annual cost of telephone service by over $1,800.

Bill has aggressively pursued grants and aid for the town wherever they could be found. Since March, the town has secured over $47,000 in grant monies for improving records storage at Town Hall and enhancing the insulation at the town highway garage.

In addition, with Bill’s leadership, the town has also submitted five more grant applications to help fund the comprehensive plan development, water district improvements, and secure financial assistance with our recycling efforts.

With an aging comprehensive plan in serious need of an overhaul, Bill rejected the notion proposed by his opponent, that the planning board would be best suited to deal with the update; he instead favored a broad-based community committee.

Bill recognizes the importance of a quality comp plan and its importance to the town’s long-term goals. The town board agreed.

Bill set out to solicit and encourage the best candidates to represent all interests. Thirteen responded and the town board appointed the nine-member committee. Of the nine, all but two were recruited by the acting supervisor.

After a review of the town’s investment policies, Mr. Bichteman suggested to the board that a better opportunity existed to combine and utilize the town’s fund balances to earn appreciable revenue. The board agreed and has allowed limited participation for a trial period.

This investment fund has the potential to allow a return 10 times larger than the old strategy with no risk of capital. When fully utilized, the earning potential would eclipse the town’s annual PILOT [Payment In Lieu Of Taxes] revenues from all approved commercial solar projects in Westerlo and without disturbing a single tree or blade of grass, or obstructing a scenic view.

This year, Mr. Bichteman presented the tentative budget for 2020 on time. Bill  presented a budget message as well wherein he outlined and explained the budget process in detail for all in attendance.

The budget itself was comprehensive and transparent, and he explained each item line by line. Truly, it was the most exacting and detailed budget the town has seen in decades. It is obvious that Bill understands the budget process and is familiar with every detail.

As acting supervisor, Bill does not have a vote when it comes to town board decisions yet he has been able to move the town along smoothly by pursuing good ideas, presenting accurate facts and options to the board members

It is clear that Mr. Bichteman can work with the other members of the board to implement beneficial programs and services for the town. It is a testament to Bill’s ability to present clear choices, as well as his organizational and problem-solving skills.

Bill has several short-term goals going forward. The completion and enactment of the 2020 town budget is a priority. The completion of a comprehensive plan reflective of Westerlo is also imperative and will require nurturing and guidance by the supervisor.

With the assessor position open, the appointment of the correct assessor is also important to sort out the inequities in assessments. Bill also intends to provide a permanent bathroom at the South Westerlo Park. This addition is needed to allow a more complete utilization of our town’s recreational space

 Bill favors and intends to push to allow credit-card payments of taxes and fees. Bill also wishes to establish a Parks Maintenance Fund to deposit the anticipated $75,000 of revenue dedicated to town parkland by solar agreements and use those funds to provide significant park improvements.

Long term, Bill understands the dynamics of the comprehensive plan; what it will mean to our future; and accordingly how it will drive our zoning, planning and eventually our small economy. As part of his kick-off outline letter to the comp plan committee, he included these goals and many more.

Of course, Bill is in favor of business development that reflects both the needs of the residents and the character of our community as well as the need to protect and preserve our open space and agricultural lands as is reasonable.

However, he is not so naïve to believe there is any meaningful miracle campaign promise he can offer that insures either, just his assurances that he will do his best.

Bill freely acknowledges the need for town-wide internet access with the pragmatic understanding that to totally solve that issue requires legislation from outside our town. Anything else is just a Band-Aid and then only for a few. Internet access today is equivalent to the need for electricity in the twenties. It is that important.

Bill Bichteman is already moving on these issues and others to further bolster our economy. Recently, Bill has enlisted and received the support of  Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple to join with the town of Westerlo in the development of a community swimming pool complex within the Westerlo Town Park property that could serve Westerlo and the surrounding communities.  It is an ambitious endeavor to be sure, but it is doable and will benefit the town greatly.

Bill has a true and realistic vision for the town. His vision is not clouded by hype or false promises. Bill is goal-oriented and measures success in accomplishment. He is the best choice for supervisor.

Karla Weaver

Westerlo

Editor’s note: Karla Weaver is a Westerlo deputy town clerk.