Faces of Cody: Mayor Lee Ann Reiter

Mayor Lee Ann Reiter came to the Cody area in the early 1980s, working as an intern for the oil industry. Originally from Pennsylvania, she fell in love with the pristine land while hiking through the wide open spaces of the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains. The genuine people she met and the true small-town community found in Cody called to her, and she quickly made it her home.

Over the years, she’s worked in the oil fields as a petroleum engineer, working up to supervisory and management positions. In addition, she built, owned, and operated the Sears retail dealer store in Cody and several long-term rentals in Cody. She’s also actively participated in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees and in volunteer positions.

She’s spent 25 years with the Cody Stampede Parade Committee, 20 years in Rotary, and volunteering with many youth sports teams and organizations, Cody Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, and substitute teaching. All of her involvement gives her deep insights into what works for Cody.

RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL AND THEN MAYOR

In 2020, while Parade Committee President, she worked along side Marc Thompson with the Cody Stampede board to see what could be done after learning the Stampede Parade and Rodeo might not happen. They studied the data, which showed few active cases of COVID in Park County. On behalf of the parades, she went to the Park County Health Department and received local support. She then applied for an exemption from the State Health Department and received approval.

This experience showed her more of the City’s inner workings. When an opening appeared for City Council, she tossed her hat in the ring and was voted in. She has since served on numerous committees, including the Chamber of Commerce Board, Yellowstone Regional Airport Board, and the City Contractor’s Board.

Her ability to listen and see connections, combined with her love of Cody, made it a clear choice to run for mayor. Now, all of her past experience blends together to form a clear vision for Cody.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

She responded with this quote when asked about her core beliefs that will guide her during her mayoral term. She wants to work to unite Cody more strongly and minimize the divisions while preserving Cody’s identity, culture, and personality. Silos need to be replaced by teamwork and better communication.

She sees Cody’s Western Heritage as what sets it apart. It’s the can-do attitude, how we work together as a community, and the leadership heritage given to us by Cody’s founders. She aims to carry on that legacy.

To that end, she has spent more time listening than anything. At the “Meet the Mayor” event at the library recently, it became clear she was looking for common ground. She answered a wide variety of questions, from the cost of the Rec Center to the development of the downtown business district. She rattled off facts and numbers to answer the questions posed. This ability is due to her deep understanding of what has occurred in the past and current discussions with an eye to the future. One comment overheard afterward was, “She’s a straight shooter.”

QUESTIONS RAISED

Some of the questions raised surrounded topics often found in discussions around town and on the internet.

Downtown Development
With recent changes happening downtown, The City formed a task force to find a balance between personal property rights and what we, as a community, want to see for our downtown. Right now, we risk someone from outside Cody coming in, tearing down buildings, and putting up anything they like because guidelines do not exist. At this point, City Council has approved a height restriction. But further discussions are needed on how to keep the historic Western feel without being too restrictive.

Cost of the Rec Center
While the Paul Stock Recreation Center operates at a deficit, it is an integral part of our community. She explained that, like the various parks in town, which also operate at a deficit, the Rec Center provides numerous benefits to the citizens that justify the expenditure of funds.

Shooting Complex
With the shooting complex potentially coming to Cody in the near future, communication will become important as questions arise. While this complex will not be a part of the City, it will have a considerable impact, and Mayor Reiter will be involved as this develops.

Growth and Development
This area faces growing pains due to many factors, but the development of living space is an issue. Vacation rentals impact workers’ ability to find affordable housing. As with the downtown development, it comes back to the discussion of personal property rights vs. acceptable regulations. Solving problems takes understanding and communication to keep the community moving forward together.

THE MAYOR’S OFFICE IS LISTENING

Honest communication is the cornerstone of moving forward as a community. Mayor Reiter proves she listens, is thoughtful, and will work to promote open communication.

To this end, she is happy to be invited to civic organizations as a guest or to open forums like the event that was held at the library. Email or call the mayor’s office to learn more.

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