Kenneth Reese
“Proud to be Elected”
Kenneth Reese has been on the Seadrift Council since 2017. He was recently reelected to another term and was the top vote getter in the 2023 City Election. When asked to give his thoughts about being a councilman Kenneth had this to say, “It takes commitment, the want for the betterment of our city, being ready to work for the city, being available, and being willing to meet with people and find answers for their questions.”
When Kenneth was first elected as councilman, he said he was “proud to be elected to represent the voter’s wishes.” Kenneth’s family supports his efforts to help the city even though it takes up some of his time. Kenneth said that he wants to see the city grow and improve.
Kenneth has been involved in several projects over the course of his tenure as councilman. In 2017 Kenneth helped set up and oversaw Seadrift’s Solid Waste Department. He also helped set up Seadrift’s Brush Site. That year he was also over the Seadrift Harbor. In 2018 Kenneth helped with Harvey-related projects such as the further eroding Seadrift Seawall, the Harbor with its damaged pilings and unseen obstructions, the damaged Seadrift Pier, the bayfront West End Erosion Project, and taking pictures for DPS of the Seadrift Twister (Easter 2018). In 2019 through 2023 Kenneth has overseen the Seadrift Utilities Department. Projects included the 3rd St. Public Restroom, the 12th St. Pier Area Restoration, Seadrift’s new wastewater treatment plant, getting water to Falcon Point, needed repairs from Winter Storm URI, the Seawall, and Seadrift’s wastewater outfall project.
When asked what his favorite project was Kenneth replied that it was getting the solid waste department started. Kenneth got to be a driver of the city’s waste truck when the need arose. He said, “I always wanted to drive a fire truck, but I had to settle for the garbage truck. It was fun to drive.”
Kenneth’s most challenging projects were meeting with engineers concerning the Seawall and the Harbor clean-up after Harvey. Kenneth and then Seadrift Harbor Master Ricky Carter spent several days probing the entire harbor. They found a ton of debris including boat rigging, roll-up doors, mattresses, and knocked- over pilings.
Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.”
