“Reggie, I just have to say that it has been an absolute pleasure to serve with you. You have been a gentleman. You have been a scholar,” Woodstock supervisor Bill McKenna said of Earls’ tenure on the town board at the group’s December 19 meeting.
McKenna appointed Earls his deputy supervisor in January 2018. Later that year, the town board appointed him to fill the remainder of Jay Wenk’s term after Wenk died. Earls was elected in November 2018 to the remainder of the term and was elected in 2019 for a four-year term.
“You have helped me be a better person. And that’s not an easy task sometimes, but I do appreciate and acknowledge that,” said McKenna.
Council member Laura Ricci agreed. Even before Earls was on the board, she had worked with him. He was a grounding influence.
“If you’re dealing with an issue, Reggie always has a well-grounded thought of how you can solve things,” she said. “Reggie is always looking for what’s best for the community, always looking at what’s best for the people, and has always given me excellent advice.”
Ratcliff concurred.
“Reggie, I just have to say thank you for your service, and I look forward to seeing what other things you can offer to the community. I’m certain that there are great things on the horizon for Woodstock because of you,” Ratcliff said.
“I’ve worked with the town for almost 40 years, and I’ve seen a lot of town-board members, and I have to say you have been one of the top. I absolutely loved working with you,” town clerk Jackie Earley added.
“I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your perspective and your calm demeanor and your way of balancing, looking at things, and your wisdom,” deputy supervisor Laurie Osmond chimed in. “I think you’ll be missed, but you’ll be back in some way, I’m sure.”
Earls termed his time on the board “a blessing and a mixed bag.” He said he hadn’t intended to stay. “When I started this in 2018, I really, my intention was that it would be one-year pursuit, and that would be it, and here we are.”
“But I do love this town,” he said. “I love many folks that are in it. I appreciate the volunteers, the employees of this town that really I’ve been able to see behind the scenes since 2018. All that people give, and again, the volunteers are incredible. They really contribute to this town.” Earls said.
He said he had learned plenty, had lots of opportunities to practice patience. “But I am stronger for it. I’m better for it. I’ve done my best to contribute in the best way I could, and that’s all I could do. So thank you so much, and see you around town.”
Join the family! 
