For out-of-towners, the Town of Ulster might seem like a retail corridor and not much else. But there’s so much more to Ulster, a vibrant community of neighborhoods and rural roads with people who care about each other and the world around them. While the departure of IBM a few decades ago had lasting repercussions, the Town of Ulster is once again on the cusp of becoming a tech center for the Hudson Valley.
What is something you are looking forward to in 2025?
Regis Obijiski, retired executive director of New Horizons Resources Inc.: Renewed personal health and community building; mutual recognition of goodwill in our lives; worrying less and playing more.
Laura Hartmann, manager of jazz musicians/educator/producer: I am looking forward to exploring new work avenues. It›s time to shake things up a bit. I am not sure where this will lead me, but I look forward to the journey.
What is the best thing about the community you live in?
Regis Obijiski: Warm people who know your name, know you matter and care about what you think; associating with lots of people who care about mother earth.
Laura Hartmann: The people. Without a doubt. I have truly incredible friends. I am grateful for them all every day. Also, we are so lucky to have a large group of concerned citizens that advocate on behalf of our town. Our work together has made a difference here in the Town of Ulster. They inspire me and I am proud to be among them. We have a really caring community here.
What are the issues facing your town in 2025?
Regis Obijiski: Development for its own sake; “get on the bus and leave the driving to us” paternalism; poor planning due to lack of vision and disrespect for our environment; them-us, zero-sum political games.
Laura Hartmann: We are faced with too many projects that threaten our forests (Zena development with their proposed luxury housing in Ruby, the proposed luxury housing development behind Adams, Lightstar Renewables on the ridge just north of Adams) and over development. We have been facing a town government where no input was really respected, nor was it taken seriously. We have been pushing the town supervisor and town board to be more inclusive of residents’ input and being more transparent in what they are doing.
What changes would you like to see made in the community you live in?
Regis Obijiski: Broader inclusion in decision-making that affects all of us; a recognition that them is us; stronger policies on ensuring mutual safety and protecting the environment; affordable rental housing at 38% of area median income.
Laura Hartmann: I would like to see a new town supervisor, it is long past time for a change. And I would like to see more people participate. Whether it be just coming to board meetings (town board, zoning board, planning board), or running for office. Seeing new faces participating in their government would be really exciting!
What’s one goal you are setting for the year?
Regis Obijiski: Surrender to grace, say thank-you more and discover the positive in everyone; donating what I do not truly need.
Laura Hartmann: Educating our community about what local government does, and how it is the level of government that most affects our daily lives. There is so much we can accomplish as a community. I am putting together a series of events with TownOfUlsterCitizens.org, a group I chair, that will highlight a different department in our government each month. This is also to bring attention to the local elections in November. I am hoping it will bring more people out to vote. This may surprise people who know me, but I would also like to find time to get back to playing the flute. I have a masters in performance, but gave up performing aspirations when I discovered the business side of music. I don’t want to play professionally, but just do it for me. Sorry, that is two things, but I couldn’t help myself!
If you could run away today and do anything you liked, what would you do?
Regis Obijiski: Enjoy Lucca, Cinque Terre, Firenze and Assisi for two weeks and then come home; revisiting all the national parks.
Laura Hartmann: There are several things I would like to do, but one is to go to Italy, Portugal and Croatia and immerse myself in the music, culture, food, wine and the people. I have been to both Portugal and Italy, but only while on tour. It would be nice to have time to really explore these countries. And, Croatia just looks beautiful, I would love to have time to see it.
Join the family! 
