2023 Election Briefing

Odd year elections New York are a time to elect county and local leaders. This year, at the Ulster County level we will be a time to reelect Jen Metzger to a full term as County Executive (she won last year for the last year of Pat Ryan ’s term). We expect a serious battle for Ulster County District Attorney between our candidate, Manny Nneji, and Republican Michael Kavanaugh. At stake is the effective implementation of criminal justice reforms put in place by Democrats and now under threat by Republicans. Ulster Cou nty voters will also be casting ballots for their county legislators. Our candidate for County Legislature, District 16, which incl udes all of Gardiner and the northern part of Plattekill, is Gardiner ’ s own Debra Gregg Clinton , who will be running against a Plattekill Republican. For more information on the county races, go to UlsterVotes.com.

This year, the Gardiner Democratic Committee has chosen a great slate of candidates running for Supervisor ( Marybeth Majestic), Town Board (Franco Carucci and Michael Hartner), Town Justice (Laura Wong-Pan), and Town Clerk (Julia Hansen). Only Supervisor Majestic has a challenger in the Democratic Primary on June 27 ( please remember to vote for Marybeth). In all other contests Gardiner voters will be weighing in on the Tuesday, November 7 general election ballot. We profile our new candidate s below.

Meet Our New Democratic Candidates

Introducing Debra Gregg Clinton, Candidate for Ulster County Legislature, District 16 (Gardiner & Plattekill)

Debra Gregg Clinton is a lifelong resident of Gardiner, having been raised on her family ’s farm on Denniston Road. Deb earned three degrees from SUNY New Paltz and, after college, taught government and politics at New Paltz High School for many years. Fifteen years ago, she was hired first as Assistant Principal at Marlboro Middle School, and then Principal, a position she has held for 14 years. A natural problemsolver, Deb always taught her students to actively exercise their citizenship responsibilities and be the change they want to see happen. She is now walking the talk by running for her first public office.

Debra is best known for her activism on the environment, good government, and women ’s rights with her founding of the local organization, Move Forward New York (MFNY), formed in 2016 to spur community engagement in local, regional, and national political action. Foremost on Debra ’s agenda for the County Legislature are affordable housing, sustainable economic development, adaptation to climate change, and the wise use of tax dol lars.

Introducing Michael Hartner, Candidate for Gardiner Town Board

Michael Hartner concluded a 38-year career in the field of education in 2012, retiring as school superintendent in a community on Long Island. He has since kept busy volunteering in local civic organizations, including Gardiner’s Board of Assessment Review and Environmental Conservation Commission, where he recently served as chair for two years. Mike serves as a volunteer mediator for Small Claims Court matters with the Dispute Resolution Center. He is an avid biker on the trails of Mohonk, Minnewaska, and on the rail trails.

Michael believes his experience and skills are well suited to the community he loves, one with unique natural beauty and plentiful recreational opportunities. Mike believes his experience as a problem solver and mediator will fit in nicely to the Town Board, especially on contentious issues. He looks forward to helping effectively implement the town’s new Comprehensive Plan, including on issues of drinking water, affordable housing, and economic growth within Gardiner.

Introducing Laura Matlow Wong -Pan, Candidate for Gardiner Town Justice

Laura Matlow Wong -Pan is the endorsed Democratic candidate for Gardiner Town Justice. She has practiced law for over 28 years, focusing on employment law and litigation, and practices in Federal, State and local courts. She brings to the bench a commitment to neutrality and professionalism. She serves as a neutral arbitrator for a Federal agency (FINRA), where she is required to render decisions on legal disputes brought by customers and others against financial firms, and is a Court -Appointed foreclosure Referee. Laura is President of the Mid-Hudson Women’s Bar Association, having served three terms.

Laura has lived in Gardiner since 2001 with her husband and two college -age daughters. She has been actively involved in Town government, including the Open Space Commission, the ZBA, and other volunteer committees. She states that “it would be an honor to serve as one of the two Town Justices for this community. ” If Laura is elected as Town Justice, she would be the first female to hold that role in our Town.

Introducing Julia Hansen, Candidate for Gardiner Town Clerk

Julia Hansen currently holds the position of Acting Town Clerk for the Town of Gardiner. Prior to being appointed to that position, she served as the Deputy Town Clerk. She was mentored by and recommended for the position by long-time Town Clerk, Michelle Mosher. Before her career with the Town of Gardiner, Julia was the Food Program Coordinator at the People ’s Place, a food pantry in Kingston. She is the mother of an eight-year-old boy.

Julia knows the town well and has very strong ties to our community, as she was born in Gardiner and has lived here all her life. Julia prides herself on being able to work with residents, many of whom she knows by name, and help them navigate the town’s sometimes complex procedures. Julia sees her demonstrated competence, her skill with people, and her personal stake in the community as her greatest assets.

For more information on this year’s election, go to www.gardinerdemocrats.com.

Julia Hansen

S. OHIOVILLE RD | NEW PALTZ

$475,000

Truly a move in ready home, sited down a private drive setting it back off the road.

• New hardwood floors & windows

• Kitchen has quartz countertops & new stainless-steel appliances

• Newly added is a 328 sq ft addition creating a gorgeous primary en-suite bath

$2,900,000

On 32+ Acres and 5000+ SF, this home is truly a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

• Chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances

• First or second floor primary suite

• 3-Car garage with 2 bedroom guest suite/home office (an additional 920 sq ft) above.

• Blue-stone patio surrounds the gunite pool