Justice court
Bob Rich (D, WF).
Carmine Mele (R, C, I).
There will be a tough battle for the position of Gardiner town justice between two very knowledgeable and well-liked local attorneys, Bob Rich and Carmine Mele. Rich, who also volunteered for years on the New Paltz Board of Education, was nominated by the Democratic Party to run on its line for town justice; Mele, currently a Town Board member, was endorsed by the Republican Party.
Town clerk
Town clerk Michelle Moster has been endorsed by the Democrats and the Repubicans and has no opposition in this race.
Ulster County Legislature
Tracey Bartels (D, WF).
Frank ‘Lenny’ Zapka (R, C, I).
There are also two candidates vying to represent District 16 (Gardiner and portions of Shawangunk) in the Ulster County Legislature. Incumbent Tracey Bartels, who has been endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families Parties, is being challenged by political newcomer Frank ‘Lenny’ Zapka, who will appear on the Republican, Independence and Conservative Party lines.
Zapka has said that he wants to preserve the quality of life in Gardiner and is in support of keeping both the State Police and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department’s presence in the Town of Gardiner.
Bartels did not have the opportunity to respond to last week’s profile questions from the New Paltz Times (our apologies), so here is what she has to say:
Why did you decide to run for the county legislature at this time?
In 2011, I was fortunate enough to be elected to the first single-member district legislature representing Gardiner and Shawangunk. I found, after four years away, that I truly missed representing my community and advocating on their behalf. I’m known for my ability to work across the aisle and for my focus on the job at hand — regardless of party politics. I’m running for re-election because there is still a lot of work to do. I’m ready to hit the ground running. I have served three terms or six years.
What do you see as the top two challenges facing your district?
The single biggest challenge is the increasing burden of property taxes on Ulster County residents. I’m very conscious of doing everything that I can at the county level to ease that burden. Currently, more than 100% of county property taxes go toward unfunded state mandates. In just the last two years we have seen that trend worsen — the state pays less and demands more from the county. During that same time, we have worked hard to provide relief, while still delivering much-needed services. In fact, last year we delivered the first property tax decrease in over a decade. I’m very proud of that. At the same time, we cut $27 million in spending. Because the legislature must approve the budget, I see it as my responsibility to do all I can to find efficiencies and to bring about tax relief. This includes advocating to the state for relief.
Along the same line, another top concern is attracting business to the region. Economic development is the key to long-term sustainability. Without jobs that pay living wages, our young people will be forced to move away — more and more we will become a community of commuters. That said, it’s crucial that we attract sustainable businesses that add to the quality of our life and our environment. Locally owned businesses give back many fold to their communities. Many studies have shown the multiplier effect of locally owned businesses — they employ our neighbors, they are more likely to source from other locally owned businesses and they improve the quality of life and standard of living. These aren’t just anecdotes. The character of our communities is created by local businesses. It’s important that we attract more and support those that are already here.
If elected, what would be your top two priorities?
The county budget will continue to be my top priority. It’s an important responsibility and the final word on my constituents’ county property tax assessment. I will do everything I can to not only find efficiencies in the way that we currently deliver services, but to think outside the box and look for new ways altogether. I have been called a fiscal conservative since my first term. I got that reputation because I analyzed the budget line by line and suggested more cuts than any other legislator. It’s a reputation that I’m proud to have and I will work to keep it.
As a three-term member of the county’s environmental committee, I am concerned that our solid waste management system is unsustainable. We currently truck our solid waste nearly 500 miles round trip at great financial and environmental cost. In fact, in 2012 we spent $7.7 million to dispose of our waste — $1.75 million of that money was spent on fuel alone! That’s a lot of money and a giant carbon footprint. I plan on reaching out to our neighboring counties, who are in a similar situation, and looking for a regional approach. It makes financial and environmental sense.
When and where to vote
Gardiner voters will cast their ballots next Tuesday, Nov. 5 at either the Gardiner Town Hall or the Gardiner Firehouse. The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
