On April 30, Tuesday, a special election will be held for the Office of Ulster County Executive.

I am most impressed by the candidacy of Pat Ryan, a young, energetic U.S. Army veteran who previously ran in last year’s Federal Democratic Congressional Primary.
There are many issues that will affect the operation of Ulster County Government: Loss of Federal and State assistance in social services/medicaid programs, the rising cost of Health Insurance provided to County employees, a shrinking property tax base due to seniors and young people moving out of Ulster County unable to afford property taxes nor able to find well-paying jobs in the private sector, and the lack of affordable housing. Keep in mind the average annual per capita family income in Ulster County is $40,000. Substantially below the neighboring counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties.

Ryan’s military service includes graduating from West Point commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2004. He served as a military intelligence officer attaining the rank of Captain prior to his 2nd deployment in Iraq. More so; Ryan was awarded the Bronze Star twice while posted overseas. However; Pat Ryan did not agree with the Iraq war–even though he was fighting it. According to Ryan; military force should be used as a last resort!

Upon leaving the military, Pat Ryan started a data analysis company followed by a cyber security firm. These companies reached out and employed military veterans. He possesses the necessary drive, discipline and innovation skills needed to solve complex revenue and expenditure issues that will no doubt plague Ulster County Government with an annual 329 million dollar operating budget in the near future. Ryan will follow progressive values in overseeing county government.

For these reasons enumerated; Pat Ryan has my support for County Executive on the Special election day, April 30, 2019. Polls will be opened from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.