This year, the Gardiner Republican Party chose neither to supply a party platform, nor to nominate candidates at the local level. As a result, local incumbents Marybeth Majestic, Laura Walls, Franco Carucci, and Bruce Blatchly are running unopposed (Meet the Candidates, page 5). Since other small towns around the country are experiencing a similar lack of choice, The Gazette is researching possible causes, and hopes to report back.
The ballot does, however, include several highly-contested races. For the Ulster County Legislature, voters will decide which party controls leadership of that branch, as well as who will represent Gardiner in it. Incumbent Tracey Bartels, a Gardiner resident, is running against Shawangunk resident Jordan Manley.
Also at county level, there is an important race for County Executive (incumbent Pat Ryan against Jack Hayes, both Gardiner residents) and the District Attorney seat is also in contention (Dave Clegg against Mike Kavanagh). Both these races present voters with very stark contrasts in vision for our future, and our votes are important.
The ballot this year also includes a measure to renew funding for the Gardiner Library, which has not seen an increase in 11 years. (Proposition 414, page 7). We’ll see you at the polls!