William Wheeler Murray for Ulster County Legislature

05/25/2026

This is a great tribute to one of our own who sacrificed his life for our country. Now a section of Mountain Rest Road will be dedicated to Henry Schulte, the road the Corporal grew up on.

In November 2020, a placard was placed and a tree planted, dedicated to him, at Hasbrouck Park adjacent to the recently constructed Julia Jackson playground. I was proud to offer the stone excavated from my property for affixing the placard.

Thank you Village and Town officials making the road dedication happen!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of New Paltz Approves “Henry Schulte Memorial Highway” Honorary Designation

NEW PALTZ, NY — The combined Town and Village Board of New Paltz has officially approved an honorary roadway designation recognizing former New Paltz resident Henry Schulte, who was killed in action while serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

The approved designation, “Henry Schulte Memorial Highway,” will apply honorarily to the section of Mountain Rest Road beginning at Springtown Road and continuing to the Mohonk Mountain House gate, where the roadway transitions into Mohonk Road toward Marbletown.

The proposal was organized by Robert Abramson, founder of the Historic New Paltz Facebook group, and Rich Siegel, in coordination with members of the Schulte family, including Henry’s brother, John Schulte, who formally supported the designation as part of the Town submission process.

At the time of the proposal, there was no publicly visible Town-level recognition acknowledging Henry Schulte’s service and sacrifice.

“This designation ensures that Henry Schulte’s name and sacrifice will forever remain part of the community he once called home,” Abramson said following the Board’s approval.

The honorary designation does not alter the legal name of Mountain Rest Road and carries no impact to addresses, emergency services, or postal operations. All signage costs associated with the designation are being privately funded.

The proposal included supporting military documentation, family authorization, historical records, and a formal resolution presented to the Town Board for consideration.

The approval represents a significant act of local historical recognition honoring a New Paltz resident who gave his life in military service to the United States.

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Rep. Pat Ryan New Paltz Historical Society Ulster County Historical SocietyNew Paltz Town Historic Preservation Commission Ulster County Democratic Party New Paltz Democrats

“He wasn’t even 21 years old,” noted Kevin Cahill. “Today, he wouldn’t have been old enough to go to P&G’s and have a beer.”

05/23/2026

Very much honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Pat Ryan for the second time, supporting my 2026 run for Ulster County Legislature. Congressman Ryan knows well what our Country needs to address and solve the inequalities that burden everyday Americans. He is an inspiration not only for candidates who share his view on what must be done but also for those currently serving in office and the constituencies served. Affordability, housing, fair wages, and justice for all are just a few of the values the Congressman and myself share and fight for. Thank you again Rep. Pat Ryan for this meaningful and significant support!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18a1zavDVE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ulster County Democratic Party New Paltz Democrats New York Civil Liberties Union IndivisibleUlster Indivisible - New Paltz

Right now, we need true servant leaders who put service & community first. I launched Patriot PAC to elect folks who love this country, love their communities, and want to fight FOR THE PEOPLE.

Proud to be endorsing 85 Patriots across New York. More to come.

https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2026/05/pat-ryans-patriot-pac-endorses-nearly-100-candidates-across-ny/413719/

05/14/2026

It was a terrific ribbon cutting ceremony formally opening the new Ulster County Center for Well-Being located on Broadway in Kingston. A project begun by then County Executive Rep. Pat Ryan a few years back, now operational, will certainly inspire counties and municipalities to follow suit. Congratulations to all who worked so diligently to make this happen in our community! ❤️

04/29/2026

April at the County Legislature has continued to be busy with relevant and important work for our community. During the Legislature’s April 21st session, a wide range of resolutions were passed, with many adopted unanimously, crossing across party lines.

Very proud to be a co-sponsor of an adopted resolution that establishes an employee policy regarding federal immigration enforcement. This County policy outlines procedures for interacting with federal immigration authorities, affirming constitutional protections, clarifying the need for judicial warrants for access to non-public areas, and providing guidelines for County employees.

I was a co-sponsor of an approved resolution putting a cents-per-gallon cap on County gas taxes to provide short-term financial relief. This temporarily waives the county's 4% sales tax on gas and diesel prices above $3 a gallon.The sales tax holiday will run for three months, beginning on June 1st and ending on Aug. 31st.

Relatedly on April 10th in New Paltz, I stood with Rep. Pat Ryan, NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey, NYS Assembly member Sarahana Shrestha Sarahana For Assembly, Jen Metzger Ulster County Executive, elected officials and community members, speaking out on how rising fuel costs are taking its toll on working Americans.

It was an honor to be recognized by Legislative Chair Peter Criswell - Ulster County Legislator- District 7, City of Kingston to offer closing remarks delivered at the end of session. National Child Abuse Awareness Month is observed in April to highlight the prevalence of child abuse and promote prevention efforts. I spoke about how our County’s Social Services Department is working night and day to help prevent and address the problem that cuts across all demographics. The content of my presentation is available in comments.

Thank you to my Legislative colleagues in making April a highly productive and successful month of achievements that help make Ulster County a better 
place to live and love! ❤️

Ulster County Democratic Party New Paltz Democrats IndivisibleUlster New York Civil Liberties Union Daily Freeman

04/23/2026

Today is “Take Action for Libraries Day!”

To show support for our local libraries, I sent a letter last week to Governor Hochul asking her to include libraries as sensitive locations as safe spaces from federal immigration officials. My fellow County Legislators signed on supporting New York Bill 19 preventing federal law enforcement officers from entering certain public facilities without a judicial warrant.

From the letter:

“Libraries are a critical part of the educational and civic infrastructure of our communities. They are a place for families to find free or affordable educational opportunities, of inspiring the love of learning, and of study and community. Keeping these spaces open and accessible for all is an important responsibility for New York State to uphold.”

“Libraries have increasingly come under threat from the federal government for the services they provide our neighbors. On February 13, 2026 the State Department ordered that libraries cease accepting passport applications, creating additional barriers for our constituents without ready access to computers, printers or internet access. In addition to creating an unnecessary disservice to our communities, this reduces a critical source of revenue for our libraries at a time when costs are rising. In the face of these pressures, New York State must do all it can to protect libraries from federal overreach.”

The letter in its entirety is available here>
https://legislature.ulstercountyny.gov/news/letter-to-governor-hochul-re-libraries-as-sensitive-areas/

Ulster County Democratic Party New Paltz Democrats New York Civil Liberties Union Rep. Pat Ryan Governor Kathy Hochul Michelle Hinchey Sarahana For Assembly IndivisibleUlster Daily Freeman Ulster County Executive

04/10/2026

Congressman Pat Ryan held an event at a New Paltz gas station to address many economic issues that are impacting our residents. Local officials and residents voiced their frustration with not only rising gas prices, but the domino effect they have at all levels of our economy, and our lives. It was a pleasure to stand with Rep. Pat Ryan who is championing us in so many ways! 🕊

Ulster County Democratic Party New Paltz DemocratsIndivisibleUlster Ulster County ExecutiveMichelle Hinchey New York Civil Liberties Union Sarahana For Assembly

Hudson Valley families are already feeling the intense burden of rising costs from Trump’s healthcare cuts and tariffs.

They want lower costs and they want us to invest here at home; not to spend billions per day in another war in the Middle East.

Trump is doing the opposite.

His reckless war in Iran is causing gas prices to skyrocket.

Rising gas prices affect all of us – from commuters, to small business owners, to first responders – and even with the ceasefire, they’re still rising.

We never should have been in this position in the first place – we should be lowering costs and helping people get ahead. Instead the President has spent billions of your taxpayer dollars on an unnecessary, illegal war that’s making Americans less safe and making life more expensive here at home.

Our Hudson Valley community is speaking out with one voice – we can’t afford to pay for Trump’s mistakes every time we fill up our tanks, and we shouldn’t have to:

https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-leads-community-speak-out-against-skyrocketing-gas-prices

04/04/2026

Thank you Peter Criswell - Ulster County Legislator- District 7, City of Kingston for putting forth this resolution prohibiting Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from illegal actions on County properties. I’m very pleased to be a sponsor.

“Establishing A Policy In Relation To Federal Immigration Enforcement In Ulster County” (link below) aims to formalize the standards outlined in an executive order signed by former County Executive Rep. Pat Ryan, as well as a policy adopted by Sheriff Juan Figueroa in 2019.

This resolution is similar to when the Town of New Paltz in 2017 prohibited ICE on the Town’s court property following the detainment of a 23 year old New Paltz resident. The Town code was amended by then Council member Daniel Torres. As Village Trustee, the Village Board voted unanimously to do the same.

More than 100 people rallied in front of Elting Memorial Library in July of that year to protest federal immigration policies, specifically the separation of families at the border.

https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2017/01/26/new-paltz-is-a-de-facto-sanctuary-community-for-undocumented-immigrants/

https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2017/05/11/headline-new-paltz-sanctuary-town-declaration-draws-fire-from-police-chief-association/

https://legislature.ulstercountyny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/189-26.pdf

Ulster County Democratic PartyNew Paltz DemocratsIndivisibleUlster Ulster County Executive New York Civil Liberties Union Indivisible - New Paltz

03/30/2026

March has been a busy, productive month, marked by actions that address the concerns and needs of my constituency. During this time, I successfully wrote and gathered County Legislative signatures for several key initiatives:

- **Support for Immigrants**: We secured signatures on statements advocating for the protection of our immigrant community on four state bills currently under consideration in Albany.

- **Opposition to Military Action**: A formal statement was issued to our federal elected officials, expressing our opposition to the illegal war in Iran.

- **Library Protection**: A letter to Governor Hochul and state representatives urging legislation to safeguard our libraries from ICE interventions.

- **Support for Volunteer Firefighters**: The County Legislature backed a proposed state bill that would allow volunteer firefighters the option to be excused from jury duty, addressing the critical shortage of personnel available during daytime hours.

These actions reflect my commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of our community. The letters can be found via a link in the comments.

Additionally, in Albany, I attended the NY State Association of Counties (NYSAC) conference participating in intensive forums discussing climate, short term rentals, economic development, conflict management, among other important topics. Keynote speakers included NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and NYS Attorney General Leticia James. While there, I visited alongside my fellow Legislators two events hosted by Governor Kathy Hochul, including an announcement of the Governor’s proposal to lower vehicle insurance rates.

Also this month, I had the opportunity to participate in several significant events:

- **Naturalization Ceremony**: I attended the first Ulster County Naturalization ceremony since the federal suspension in October, celebrating new citizens and their contributions to our community.

- **Crisis Support Center Tour**: I toured the County’s newly opened Crisis Support Center, which provides essential services to those in need.

- **Emergency Operations Facility Visit**: I visited the construction site of the County’s emergency operations facility, witnessing firsthand the progress being made to enhance our emergency response capabilities.

- **County Committee Meetings**: I participated in various County committee meetings, engaging in discussions that shape our local policies and initiatives.

And here are a few photos!

🕊

Ulster County Government Ulster County Democratic Party Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation Ulster County Executive IndivisibleUlster New Paltz Democrats New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC)

03/23/2026

We’re a fortunate community to have Jen as our County’s Executive! She understands the constituency and is moving us in an informed, positive direction! ❤️

This , during , we’re recognizing Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger for her leadership and service to counties across New York State.

As the first woman elected Ulster County Executive, Jen Metzger has helped pave the way for more women to lead at the highest levels of county government. Her career in public service reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, community resilience, and forward-thinking policy.

County Executive Metzger plays a key leadership role within NYSAC, serving as Chair of the Climate Action, Energy and Environment Standing Committee. At this year’s Legislative Conference, she helped lead important conversations on environmental priorities impacting counties statewide. She also serves as Co-Chair of NYSAC’s Renewable Energy Siting and Farmland Protection Steering Committee, which recently hosted a productive summit bringing together county leaders to tackle complex energy and land use challenges.

Her work continues to strengthen the voice of counties while advancing smart, sustainable solutions for the future.

Thank you, County Executive Metzger, for your leadership and your service to Ulster County and NYSAC.

02/21/2026

Thank you Ulster County Democrats for the endorsement of these fine candidates and my own! Greatly honored and appreciated. 🕊

The Ulster County Democratic Committee convened its 2026 Endorsement Convention on Monday, February 16, at Kingston City Hall, where a packed house of committee members gathered to endorse candidates for the 2026 election cycle.