Longtime Wappinger councilman announces he will not seek reelection

Councilman Bill Beiel announced at the meeting that he will not seek reelection after 20 years on the Wappinger Town Board. Beiel recounted his initial election in 2005, subsequent reelections, multiple leadership roles including deputy town supervisor, and projects he helped advance such as the Sergeant Mark C. Pomiere 9/11 memorial park, the town’s taxpayer protection fund and parkland preservation purchases.

Beiel said his recent promotion to commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response in 2025 placed additional professional demands on his time. “On a day‑to‑day basis, I'm responsible for leading a team of over 100 career and part‑time emergency service professionals,” he said, noting the responsibilities for countywide public safety coordination and mutual aid. Beiel said family obligations and his county role motivated his decision not to run again; he said he will remain on the board through the remainder of his term this year.

Colleagues praised Beiel’s long service and highlighted accomplishments during his tenure, including recreation and cultural investments, school resource officer coverage and the formation of a library district. The board thanked him for his work and wished him well in his county role.

Why it matters: Beiel’s departure creates an open seat on the board ahead of the next election and removes an experienced member who has been involved in long‑range budgeting and infrastructure decisions. The supervisor and council members said they will continue to staff transition work and maintain ongoing initiatives Beiel helped lead.

Next steps: Beiel said he will serve through the remainder of the term; the board did not announce a process for filling the seat after his term expires.