William BrykPrimary Election 2022 Winner
Running forHillsborough County Register of Probate
in 2022
Running as Democrat
At age67
William Bryk graduated from Manhattan College and Fordham University School of Law. For nearly 30 years, he worked for the City of New York in jobs ranging from file clerk to Special Assistant to the City Council President to disciplinary prosecutor. He’s presently an inactive member of the New Hampshire and New York bars. He lives in Antrim with his wife, Mimi Kramer-Bryk, a retired educator, journalist, and cultural critic. A former speechwriter for several public officials, Bill contributes articles to The Limrik, Antrim’s town quarterly, and frequently publishes in The Daily Beast and Splice Today. He began learning to ride at the age of 62, which taught him that the hardest thing about riding is the ground, and has learned more than a bit about humans while working with horses.
He was active in politics in New York City before moving to New Hampshire. He has served as Secretary and Vice-Chair of the Antrim Town Democratic Committee and as a delegate to several Democratic State Conventions. In Antrim, he has been elected to Supervisor of the Checklist, Planning Board Member, Cemetery Trustee, Library Trustee, and Trustee of Trust Funds.
Current jobPart-time as the Administrative Assistant to the Land Use Boards in Antrim.
Attorney in private practice, March 2010-March 2019, August 2001-March 2002; and February 1997-January 1999; Agency Attorney III, New York City Department of Correction, March 2002-March 2010; Associate, Levy, Boonshoft & Spinelli, P.C., January 1999-August 2001; Agency Attorney, New York City Department of Social Services, January 1994- November 1994 and September 1995-January 1997; Special Assistant to Board Member New York City Board of Education, November 1994 to September 1995; Special Assistant to the President and Acting Director of Operations, Council of the City of New York, January 1987-September 1989 and March 1991-December 1993; Court Attorney, Civil Court, City of New York, September 1990-March 1991; Associate, Bondy & Schloss, September 1989-September 1990; Executive Assistant to Council Member, January 1986-January 1987; Assistant to the President, Borough of Manhattan/Assistant Press Secretary, January 1982-December 1985; Staff Analyst, Bureau of Performance Analysis and Administrative Assistant, Bureau of Administrative Services, Office of the Comptroller, City of New York, December 1977-January 1982.
Current residence444 Clinton Road, Antrim, New Hampshire 03440
Time lived in NHMarch 2016-present.
HometownTroy, New York.
B.Sc. (Economics), Manhattan College; J.D., Fordham University School of Law
Best way to contact candidateBy email at wmbryk@gmail.com.
What were the biggest issues faced by the person serving in the role you are seeking over the past two years? How did they, or how did you, deal with those issues?
The biggest issue faced by Ms. Moreau, the current Register of Probate, was running for another office, in which she was unsuccessful.
How do you feel the current divisive political climate in the United States will impact your role in the office you are seeking over the next two years? Also, how would you navigate that divisiveness in your duties?
I do not believe the current divisive political climate will affect my role as Register of Probate. In the event I am confronted by it, I believe patience and tact will resolve most disagreements. If not, there are always the police.
How is county government unique from municipal or state government in New Hampshire? Do you believe it is necessary?
County government presently seems more distant from the people and their needs than municipal or state government. However, New Hampshire is not a home rule state. Too much power is centralized in Concord. Any local government, whether municipal or county, that can defend the people and their local interests should only be strengthened by advocating further decentralization of power, including the power of the purse.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level and how can you, as in your role aid the city government and/or directly aid Manchester residents on that issue?
I understand the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level is homelessness and the inability of any level of government in New Hampshire to deal with it save by moving the homeless along. I regret that, even were the powers of the Register of Probate restored, I cannot see how the efficient and humane probate of wills can help the City of Manchester solve that problem.
How does your background (excluding time serving in the position you are seeking) qualify you for the position you are seeking?
I believe that three decades of responsible public service, much of it involving dealing directly with ordinary folks and their problems, and my experience as a practicing lawyer qualify me to be Register of Probate.
What are the most important concerns facing you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
The most important concerns I’ve heard from Manchester residents involve homelessness and the consequences of government’s failure to follow through on the promise of social services after the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill over half a century ago. The Register of Probate does not directly deal with those issues. However, any county official should aggressively advocate the redistribution of resources from a State social service system apparently unable to effectively address the problems of those who have no homes, often through no fault of their own, to municipal governments which, being closest to the people, are likely to understand the nuances of the people’s needs and help resolve them.
If elected or re-elected, please describe any innovations, reforms or improvements you seek to introduce to your office.
The aggressive advocacy of restoring the powers of the office. Taking power from the State government and restoring it to an office directly answerable to the people is my priority.