Tracey Bartels News Today

KINGSTON, N.Y. – A contingent of leading Mid-Hudson political leaders have urged Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration to resolve negotiations that they say, if unsuccessful, could result in significant cutbacks at HealthAlliance Hospital. One letter, written by state Senator Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, was signed by seven other politicians representing parts of Ulster County. A second one […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County will create two $18 million capital reserve funds, one dedicated toward the construction of a proposed Government Operations Center and the other toward the decarbonization of county buildings and facilities. County Executive Jen Metzger’s office said in a press release that the Ulster County Legislature approved dedicating $36 million of […]

2: Jen Metzger is sworn in as Ulster County’s first elected female executive in front of a packed house at the Rosendale Theatre. 3:  William F.X. O’Neil pledges to be guided by God and his faith as he is sworn in as the next Dutchess County executive. O’Neil, who replaces former County Executive Marc Molinaro […]

1: Ulster County Finance Commissioner Burt Gulnick resigns amid allegations that he stole funds from the Hurley Recreation Association, which he served as treasurer. 2: A group representing Hudson Valley landlords and other individuals say that the city should repeal its Good Cause Eviction law in the wake of a state court upholding a ruling […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. — More than a dozen county residents on Monday called on county legislators to reject two resolutions authorizing the county to enter into contracts with Axon Enterprise Inc., saying that the company — which provides, among other things, interview-room and body-worn cameras to the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office—  has ties with a company […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The City’s Common Council has no immediate plans to consider a memorializing resolution supporting a cease-fire in the Middle East after more than two dozen supporters packed the council’s December meeting to call for an end to the Israeli war on Hamas in Gaza. Common Council President Andrea Shaut said the day […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Beginning this month, the Ulster County Legislature will be livestreaming all committee meetings via YouTube, in addition to recordings of meetings and minutes archived on the County Legislature’s website. “The public deserves to be informed and aware of the business of their government and our meeting times are not always conducive to […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa has introduced a “comprehensive rehabilitation program” aimed at reducing recidivism and creating a positive outlook for inmates at the Ulster County Jail. IGNITE, Individually Growing Naturally & Intentionally Through Education, is an initiative of the National Sheriff’s Association and is “reinventing the foundation” of jail culture. “There’s […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County lawmakers largely turned back dozens and dozens of amendments to the proposed 2024 budget, including pay raises for legislators and several proposals to create new positions in county departments. Without discussion, the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday downed an amendment by outgoing Legislator Phil Erner, D-Kingston, that sought […]

KINGSTON, N.Y. —Two political newcomers are vying for the Ulster County Legislature’s District 16 seat. Debra Gregg Clinton and Phil Johnson are squaring off for the seat now held by incumbent Legislator Tracey Bartels. Bartels, who is currently chairwoman of the Legislature, is not running for re-election. District 16 comprises most of the town of […]