Welcome to the first County Executive home page in the history of Ulster County.  The passage of the Charter by the people of Ulster County created the elected office of County Executive, a post with the power and responsibility to lead that government.  I am humbled and honored that you have chosen me to serve as the first County Executive. 

As your County Executive, I will work to deliver a county government that is lean, effective, smart, and fully accountable to the people.  I will provide a single, strong clear voice that advocates for your interests across all levels of government. I will reach out to businesses and help them grow. I will work to preserve our special places and improve the livability of our communities.  And I will ensure that assistance is available to those families and individuals in need.

You are Ulster County’s greatest resource.  I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that Ulster County is as fine a place as any to live, work, and raise a family.

Getting More Jobs

We will create an environment of leadership and a message to the business community that Ulster County is a ready and effective strategic partner. Before taking office, I convened business leaders who provided an action agenda for economic development. To help attract more businesses and grow those already here, a position devoted to economic development is now in place. The Legislature will be asked to adopt "Ulster Tomorrow" as a blueprint of our strategic economic development goals. County departments will be directed to examine their operations and focus on economic development. Those with permitting authorities will be charged with streamlining the process. We will work collaboratively with municipalities to target infrastructure improvements and define where growth can occur.

Taxpayer Savings

We will implement realistic cost-saving measures that continue the substantial reforms I began as County Administrator.  We will support the shared services study now underway to examine ways that Ulster County and local governments can save money. We will identify ways to better utilize County properties and sell those no longer needed. We will implement energy savings within our operations and institute efficiency and financial reviews that improve our accountability and effectiveness.

Preserving Quality of Life

We will work to ensure that people are warm in winter through the implementation of the Winter Watch program.  We will support our Main Streets with technical resources, organizing business communities, and utilizing funding opportunities from multiple sources. We will work to ensure that agriculture remains part of our landscape through the farmland preservation and agricultural districts programs.  We will work with our Open Space Partnership to protect the critical natural resources of the County. We will continue to promote safe, decent and affordable housing options to support economic vitality.

Communication

We will promote opportunities for open and enhanced communication between the residents of Ulster County and their government. On-line access to information will be improved. We will conduct open government days in various locations around the county. We will work with all of our partners and create a collaborative environment to guide our efforts.