Thomas Corcoran is one of seven freshman Ulster County Legislators who were sworn in on January 8 of this year. He is a Republican and represents District 11 Marlborough, winning the seat after long-serving Legislator Richard Gerentine chose to retire.

“There are a lot of good people up here on both sides,” Corcoran said. “I don’t think there is any kind of animosity, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, everybody seems to be working together well.”

Corcoran said he has only known Chairman Dave Donaldson for a short time, “but doing the Committees the way he did them, I thought he was very fair. The Committees that I’m on are right up my ally. I think he was selective on the Legislators, whether you were here or a new Legislator, and he used what we had to offer him. I think it was [done] very well. Also working with the new Legislators and the staff has been fantastic; they guided me along as the new guy. Everyone in that office has been fantastic to me.”

Corcoran serves on the Legislative Programs, Education and Community Services Committee as well as on the Economic Development, Tourism, Housing, Planning and Transit Committee.

Corcoran is pleased he threw his hat in the ring to run for the Ulster County Legislature.

“All in all it’s good; I’m glad that I did it and everything is working out well,” he said. “I think my experience with the town over 18 years is going to hold me well, to bring what I can from here back to the town of Marlborough and help the town itself.”

Corcoran pointed out that the term for a Legislator is two years with a maximum of 12 years of service since now there are term limits. Those already in office, however, are not bound by the 12 year limit but all new Legislators have to abide by that constraint.

“I think it is a good thing. I was always a believer in term limits and just because I’m here I am not going to be an opponent of it. I’m still in favor of term limits.”

Corcoran said he is available to his constituents at 845-2406 ext. 7 from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also at (845) 795-2493.