Monteverde announces re-election bid for Ward 2 Seat

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 1/15/25

Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde has officially announced her campaign for re-election to the Ward 2 seat on the Newburgh City Council. Monteverde becomes the second sitting council member to announce …

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Monteverde announces re-election bid for Ward 2 Seat

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Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde has officially announced her campaign for re-election to the Ward 2 seat on the Newburgh City Council. Monteverde becomes the second sitting council member to announce a re-election bid, following Ward 1 Councilwoman Giselle Martinez’s earlier declaration.

Monteverde, who is seeking her third term, first joined the council in 2018 after running unopposed in both the 2017 and 2021 elections. She initially filled the seat vacated by former Councilwoman Genie Abrams.

A resident of Newburgh since 1999, Monteverde has deep roots in the community. She and her partner raised their daughter in the city, and she currently serves as Director of Operations for Safe Harbors of the Hudson, a nonprofit organization based on Broadway. Before her political career, Monteverde was a member of the city’s planning board and remains active in local Democratic politics as a member of the City of Newburgh Democratic Committee.

Reflecting on Progress
Monteverde expressed pride in the accomplishments of the council during her tenure, citing financial improvements as a significant milestone. “I want to continue to create the ripple effect of positive change in our community,” she said.

She highlighted how the city increased its budget and revenue, leading to improved financial health and recognition from the state. Monteverde also noted the council’s focus on affordable housing, supported by a comprehensive housing study conducted with the Leviticus Fund. The study helped strengthen the city’s code enforcement efforts, holding landlords accountable and facilitating partnerships with the Newburgh Community Land Bank and Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate vacant properties into homes.

In environmental initiatives, Monteverde has supported the Environmental Justice Fellowship program and the city’s Conservation Advisory Council. She also emphasized the city’s efforts to expand green spaces, plant trees, and address aging infrastructure through major public works projects.

Upcoming projects include the completion of the Delano-Hitch Aquatic Center and the East End Lofts, a mixed-income housing and business development along South Colden Street. The East End Lofts, developed by Kearney Realty and Development Group, is scheduled to open in summer.

Engaging with the Community
Monteverde said she has prioritized accessibility and responsiveness throughout her time in office. “I feel like we’ve achieved so much as a community, but there’s still more work to do,” she said. “I enjoy working with my council colleagues, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to improve the quality of life in Newburgh.”

As part of her re-election campaign, Monteverde plans to hit the streets to hear directly from constituents about their concerns. She identified key issues such as taxes, housing affordability, and street paving as top priorities. While the city already has a five-year paving plan in place, Monteverde said she would advocate for additional funding to accelerate the work. She also hopes to attract more local businesses to the city.

Monteverde acknowledged the challenges of public service, including the spread of misinformation online and criticism of the council’s actions. She encourages residents to attend meetings and engage in discussions about city policies and initiatives.

Looking Ahead
Monteverde remains optimistic about Newburgh’s future, reflecting on how public perception of the city has shifted over the years. “When I first moved here, the city had a negative reputation,” she said. “But I always told people to come and see it for themselves.”

As she seeks re-election, Monteverde reaffirmed her commitment to serving her constituents. “Whether you’ve lived in Ward 2 for decades or just moved in, I look forward to being your representative,” she said. “If there’s an issue in your neighborhood or home, reach out to me—I’ll always do my best to resolve it.”

Monteverde plans to begin campaigning soon and looks forward to connecting with voters. “I hope I’m doing a good job, and I trust the voters will show their confidence at the polls,” she said.