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New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr.
New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. has been reappointed to be the chairman of the Assembly Standing Committee on Local Governments by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, it was announced last week. Mr. Thiele has previously served as chairman of the Assembly Small Business and Libraries and Educational Technology committees.
According to a press release issued by Mr. Thiele’s office late last week, the Local Governments Committee considers the legislative needs of local governments across the state, including counties, towns, villages, school districts, fire districts and other special districts and agencies. Local issues addressed in this committee in the past have included the Peconic Bay region septic system replacement loan program, water quality improvement projects, as well as matters related to open space, transportation, local land use and housing.
“I am honored to be re-appointed as part of the new leadership team by Speaker Heastie,” Mr. Thiele said. “Local governments directly impact the daily lives of residents, from roadways and schools to public water, law enforcement and fire protection. It is the level of governance closest to the people, who have placed their trust in local officials to maintain the community’s well-being. The Local Governments Committee did great work during my first term as chairman, and I look forward to continuing to expand on that progress.”
Mr. Thiele’s experience working in local government was cited as a reason for his appointment. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Mr. Thiele served as Southampton Town attorney and Southampton Town supervisor, working on town initiatives including open space preservation, environmental conservation, transportation, affordable housing, economic development and government reform. Mr. Thiele also served on the Suffolk County Legislature and was elected to the Assembly in 1995. He has been re-elected for every term since.
“Continuing as the chair of the Local Governments committee is a welcomed challenge, but as always, the people of the 1st Assembly District come first,” Mr. Thiele said. “I see this leadership role not only from a statewide perspective but as a way to improve the lives of the people who elected me to office.”
Assemblyman Thiele also sits on the Assembly Rules; Environmental Conservation; Oversight, Analysis & Investigation; and Transportation committees.
