District 9
Litts Unopposed
Republican Herbert W. Litts III is running for the Ulster County Legislature unopposed in District 9, which covers the Towns of Lloyd and Plattekill.
Litts has been endorsed by the Conservative and Independent parties and will be on these lines as well as the Republican line in November.
Litts said he is running, “to continue my commitment to community service that started in 1977.” He has served in numerous local and county positions over the years.
Litts said he has the, “ability to look at a problem/issue, break it down and come up with the best possible solution.”
Litts added that the top issues facing Ulster County surround, “economic development, smart growth, high taxes and fiscal responsibility.”
“I have tried my best to serve my community for the past 42 years and would be honored to continue as your County Legislator in District #9,” he concluded.
District 10
Maio and Gilmore in rematch
The Ulster County Legislative District 10 covers the Town of Milton, the Hamlet of Highland and north up Route 9W by the Hudson River. Incumbent Republican Mary Beth Maio is being challenged in a rematch BY Democrat Russell Gilmore.
Republican Mary Beth Maio has the endorsements of the Conservative and Independence parties and her name will be on the B, C, and G lines on the ballot.
“It has been my pleasure to be your legislator and have worked hard through the years to keep county tax increases to a minimum with some years with a zero increase. Sitting on the Ways and Means Committee allows me to be part of the county’s budget process and have input to such important budgetary items,” she said. “I have also looked to have growth here in Ulster County as I sit on the Economic Development Committee looking for ways to make Ulster County the county to live and work.”
Maio is an accountant and has worked in the banking field for 30 years.
“The two work well together for making financially sound decisions for the county along with understanding the needs and wants of the residents,” she said.
Maio said in the coming years, “the county will face economic growth and the county’s ways to encourage businesses will be important. On the Economic Development Committee I will look to promote such.” She points out that the county has to be “smart” about spending and should continue to promote more shared services as a way to save money. She promises continued support in the effort to make the county more “environmentally friendly.”
Maio has served as the Legislatures minority leader and majority leader during different political majorities.
“My time and dedication has been my pleasure being your voice up at the county and I look for your support November 5th to serve you for another term,” she said.
Democrat and Working Families member Russell Gilmore has the endorsements of the Lloyd, Marlborough and Ulster County Democratic Committees and the union backing of the CSEA and AFL-CIO. He will be on the Democratic and Working Families lines on the November ballot.
“Our district has been under- represented by the current legislator and our community needs a legislator who will be fully engaged in our county government,” he said. “If elected I plan to report back to the Town Boards in my district on a regular basis. Both boards report little or no communication from the current legislator.”
Gilmore worked for 20 years as a Senior Manager for large, not-for-profit child caring agencies and he also started a school for high school drop-outs. He is a certified plant engineer and holds a Masters Degree and a Certificate for Advanced study from SUNY New Paltz. He presently serves on the Lloyd Zoning Board of Appeals and is a member of the Highland Landing Park.
Gilmore wants to see the District Attorney send those who have committed “lighter crimes” to the new Restorative Justice Center in Kingston rather than to jail, as has often been the case.
“They receive no direction, no reform and probably return to crime on the streets, all at the expense of the taxpayer. This needs to change now,” he said.
Gilmore is supportive of the current Director of Social Services and will work with the office, “to ensure that those in need within our county are receiving the services they need to survive with dignity and bring them hope for a brighter future.
Gilmore believes a College Education is important but so are the trades such as, “carpenters, electricians, plant engineers, and other skilled laborers. I feel we need to build and support programs that will supply our society with those workers who are needed and are in-demand. These are very good professions and the professionals can make a great living..
Gilmore and his wife, Sue, have lived in Highland for 32 years and have served in various volunteer committees and positions.
“My family heritage in Highland dates back to 1740 (The Ronk Family) and I would be very proud to serve our district as your next County Legislator,” he said.
District 11
Successor to Gerentine sought
The Ulster County Legislative District 11 encompasses the Town of Marlborough and has been held for 28 years by Republican Richard Gerentine. This year he decided not to seek re-election and will step down at the end of this year. Two Marlboro residents are seeking to fill the seat.
Republican Thomas Corcoran will be on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines and has been endorsed by these parties. He said this is his first time running for the job and wants, “to continue to keep Marlborough safe and to represent it at the County.”
Corcoran highlighted his background and the skills he brings to the job.
“I have been a Town of Marlborough employee for over 16 years, which gives me the expertise in town zoning, town planning and writing and enforcing town code,” he said. “My continuing education and training with NYS Building & Fire Codes keeps me updated on what the state has coming for Ulster County. I have regularly attended town board meetings, planning board meetings and zoning board meetings during my employment.”
Corcoran said more focus should on promoting agri-tourism to the New York City area and beyond, “so our existing local business prosper and new business demands grow. New business means increased sales tax revenue for the county and increased commercial business means more tax money for the town.”
Corcoran said the Route 9W corridor, “has had its last hole patched” and needs to be completely resurfaced.
“Working with the NYS Department of Transportation over the 16 years in my current position has gotten me a seat at that table on many occasions. This will be no different but this time I will represent Marlborough as a County Legislator and not just a building official,” he said.
Corcoran takes pride in his 20 years of community service for Marlboro Youth Football, cheer leading, baseball and softball teams. He urges people to volunteer their time where they can, saying it is important to educate the youths of Marlborough, “not only in sports but in life.”
Corcoran said, “my position with the town does not change with the appointment of Ulster County Legislator. I am in the same office at the same address with the same phone number and will be proud to serve the town of Marlborough for many years to come.”
Democrat Mici Simonofsky has been endorsed by the Marlborough Democratic Committee; Working Families Party; CSEA; Upper Hudson Valley Labor Federation; Ulster People for Justice and Democracy; Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan; former Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. She will be on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.
“I believe everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to make life a little bit better for the people around them. I live my life that way,” she said. “If you are to serve, you need to find out what is needed and wanted, and I am very good at that. Nearly 45 years of partnering in small business ownership has taught me many basics of running a company and all that it entails, including successful marketing opportunities.”
Simonofsky said solving the opioid crisis in the county must be done, “from a holistic viewpoint, not just the criminal aspects. She pointed out that available healthcare using a mobile van, like the DMV, would go a long way toward helping abate mental health issues, homelessness and veterans issues.
“Prevention is always cheaper than treatment, so I will be looking to provide more health education and healthcare services to our Town everywhere I can,” she said.
Simonofsky said taxes is a central issue, pointing out that, “we should all pay our fair share and conversely we should all get our fair share.” She promised to ensure that Marlborough receives its fair share of tourism money that the county returns to the town.
“There are so many issues facing us. Affordable housing, improved broadband, transportation systems and climate warming are just a few more that need so much attention, and each issue affects another. They all affect or are affected by the amount of tax needed or available,” she said. “It’s time Marlborough gets its fair share, and I have the time to devote to getting it.”
District 12
Diorio to challenge Roberts
The two candidates in the 2019 race for the District 12 seat on the Ulster County Legislature both are focused on the community. Current Ulster County Legislator and Republican candidate, Kevin Roberts will face off against Democratic hopeful Betty Diorio this November. The town of Plattekill encompasses most of the 12th District.
Legislator Kevin Roberts is currently seeking his seventh, two-year term as an Ulster County Legislator. Roberts was first elected in 2007. Roberts lives in Plattekill and is well known as family and community focused. As owner of Roberts Contracting, he has donated both time and money to the local community. Prior to his service on the Ulster County Legislature, Roberts served as Chairman of the Resource Recovery Agency Board of Directors and was a Trustee for the United Methodist Church in Modena. Roberts is a public advocate against drinking and driving and wasteful county spending.
Roberts continues to fight for the needs of his community. His service on many government committees, including the Laws and Rules, and Government Services, allows Legislator Roberts to advocate for the people of Plattekill. His work to secure numerous grants for improvements to both the Plattekill and Modena Fire Departments has directly resulted in an increase in resident safety. By working closely with the Plattekill Town Board, Roberts promotes smart growth in the Town of Plattekill, while discouraging overgrowth in the predominantly rural community. If re-elected, Roberts will continue to put Plattekill first.
Betty Diorio, originally from Milton, is no stranger to public service. Diorio was the first woman to serve on the Marlborough Town Board. A former trustee for the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library and the Marlborough Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as an EMT, Diorio has made a career of helping others. Now retired from her position at Healthquest, Diorio is ready to devote herself to be a full-time legislator in Ulster County.
If elected, Diorio is committed to working hard to make Ulster County a place to be proud of. She plans to address some of the biggest issues facing both Plattekill and Ulster County. Working with the County Executive and County Sheriff, Diorio will create strategies to combat the effects of the growing opioid epidemic. By encouraging developers to build affordable housing, and providing programs for low interest loans, more young families and senior citizens will be able to stay in Ulster County. Dioro plans to work with the local government to promote tourism, which will promote jobs and revenue to support the people of the community. Finally, the need for some of Ulster County’s public services, such as those for seniors and Veterans, need to be accessible throughout Ulster County, not just in the Kingston area. Diorio would like to see an increase in available services to southern parts of the county.