Eve Walters named vice chair; Craig Lopez deputy minority leader of Ulster County Legislature

Posted 1/25/22

Legislative Chair Tracey Bartels has announced appointments to the 2022 Standing Committees.

“The 2022 Legislature has an extraordinary wealth of talented and dedicated public servants. …

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Eve Walters named vice chair; Craig Lopez deputy minority leader of Ulster County Legislature

Posted

Legislative Chair Tracey Bartels has announced appointments to the 2022 Standing Committees.

“The 2022 Legislature has an extraordinary wealth of talented and dedicated public servants. All of our members have the same goal—to improve the lives of Ulster County residents,” states Chair Bartels.

Key areas of focus for the committees will include expanding economic development opportunities, addressing mental health needs and issues of addiction, expanding access to affordable housing, improving infrastructure and enhanced emergency services, and providing long-term solutions to the county’s solid waste management.

“I truly appreciate every one of my colleagues’ willingness to serve in these important roles and look forward to leveraging their unique expertise and experience to face the challenges ahead and to deliver much-needed services to families, businesses, and communities throughout Ulster County.”

Democratic Majority Leader Jonathan R. Heppner (Towns of Hurley and Woodstock, District 23) said, “Building upon the forward-thinking committee restructuring established by the Legislature earlier this month, I’m excited about Chair Bartels’ committee assignments. I know that Chair Bartels took input from both caucus leaders and truly considered the wants of all members while ensuring each committee would be successful in carrying out the people’s work. We are off to a very productive start, and I am looking forward to our work ahead.”

“The Republican Caucus is ready and willing to work together with Chair Bartels in these committees to move Ulster County forward and to protect the taxpayers,” said Minority Leader Ronk.

“I welcome the new changes to our standing committees,” says Legislator Brian Cahill, chair of the Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Agriculture and Arts Committee. “For the first time in more than 20 years, Ulster County farmers, agriculture, and agri-businesses will be a central focus in Economic Development,” said Cahill. “I’m eagerly anticipating a full agenda that includes not only agriculture but also arts and education. I firmly believe these sectors are vital to our long-term economic development and the prosperity of all who live and work in Ulster County.”

“The past two years magnified the challenges we face in our county around mental health, substance abuse, public health response, and housing health,” states Vice Chair Eve Walter, chair of the Health, Human Services and Housing Committee. “I look forward to addressing each of these issues and developing strong policies to make ours a healthier county.”

Legislator Laura Petit (Town of Esopus, District 8), chair of Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation, adds, “The new committee structure streamlines the work of the legislature. I look forward to focusing on the county’s infrastructure needs and working on existing and new capital projects.”

Chair Bartels has chosen Eve Walter (Village & Town of New Paltz, District 20) to serve as Vice Chair of the Ulster County Legislature.

“Legislator Walter’s lifelong work as an epidemiologist and research scientist, specializing in the intersections of criminal justice, violence, and poverty, with public health, brings unique policy expertise to the leadership team,” states Chair Bartels. “I am grateful that Legislator Walter has agreed to serve in this important capacity.”

In addition, Craig V. Lopez (Towns of Shawangunk & Wawarsing, District 14), will continue in his role as Deputy Minority Leader—in previous years, this position was titled Minority Whip.

“I know that I speak for the entire body when I say that we are ready to get to work,” said Chair Bartels.