The Ulster County Legislature re-elected Legislator Peter Criswell (D-District 7, Kingston) as chair during its 2025 organizational meeting, held Tuesday evening. The vote fell along party lines.
Criswell, who has led the Legislature since 2023, expressed gratitude for the continued confidence of his colleagues. “Serving as chair is both a profound honor and a significant responsibility,” Criswell said. “Together, we will tackle critical challenges such as housing, access to mental health and addiction services, enhancing emergency response, and developing our workforce.”
In addition to Criswell’s re-election, the Democratic Caucus named Abe Uchitelle (D-District 5, Kingston) as majority leader, while the Republican Caucus selected Kevin Roberts (R-District 12, Plattekill) to continue as minority leader.
Uchitelle highlighted housing, public transportation, and emergency services as key legislative priorities. “I look forward to a productive relationship with Chair Criswell and Minority Leader Roberts,” he said.
Roberts emphasized the Republican Caucus’s commitment to tax relief, equitable resource distribution, and public safety. “I remain optimistic that the Democrat members of the Legislature are open to Minority perspectives and willing to work together in common cause,” Roberts said.
Committee Restructuring
As part of the meeting, the Legislature announced a restructuring of its committee system to better align with recent changes in county departments and address critical community needs.
The changes include:
• Creating a Housing and Transportation Committee to consolidate oversight of housing issues and transportation services, including Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT).
• Placing the new Department of General Services under the Ways & Means Committee.
• Moving the restructured Department of Risk Management to the Laws, Rules & Government Services Committee.
• Transferring the Department of Human Rights to the Health and Human Services Committee.
“These adjustments will ensure our legislative oversight is more effective and responsive to the priorities of Ulster County,” Criswell said.
Criswell emphasized the importance of housing and transportation in supporting the community and workforce. “By creating a dedicated Housing and Transportation Committee, we can provide the focused attention these issues deserve,” he said.
The Legislature will release committee assignments and a schedule of meetings within the next 20 days.