The Town of Ulster Democratic Committee has announced its slate of candidates for the 2025 election. The “Our Town of Ulster” slate includes Laura Hartmann and Alex Smith for town council and Amy Ingram for town justice. These local leaders are running on a platform focused on fostering transparency, community engagement and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Laura Hartmann
With over 30 years in the music industry, Laura Hartmann is a passionate advocate for the arts and her community. She has worked to promote music, manage jazz musicians and produce global tours. In 2018, Laura founded TownOfUlsterCitizens.org to fight a proposed power plant, leading efforts to pass a resolution preventing polluting businesses in the town.
As a town council candidate, she is committed to transparency, community involvement and revitalizing key local projects like Tech City (now iPark87) and the mall.
“Local government is where we can make the biggest impact on our daily lives, and I am committed to serving my community with the same passion I’ve dedicated to the arts and advocacy work,” said Hartmann. “I believe in fostering a town where every voice is heard and where transparency, engagement and innovation are the cornerstones of our government.”
Alex Smith
A family peer advocate with Family of Woodstock, Alex Smith has spent 13 years in the Town of Ulster. Her background in human services and nonprofit work provides her with a unique perspective on addressing the challenges facing local families. As a mother of two, Smith is committed to ensuring the voices of Ulster residents are heard, particularly in adolescent services and mental health.
“Over the years, I have seen the challenges the town has faced, and I believe it is time for change,” said Smith. “I have worked in non-profit sectors for the last six years, and through that work, I have been deeply involved in supporting families and individuals. I know firsthand how much our local community is struggling, and I am determined to help address these needs.”
Amy Ingram
Amy Ingram is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in law and public policy. She holds degrees from Tulane University, Duquesne University, and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, with an LLM from the University of Alabama. Amy has represented clients through critical moments in their lives and is committed to bringing fairness, transparency and respect to the judicial process. She has been admitted to the New York State Bar since 2010 and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar since 2015.
“While being a lawyer is a necessary qualification for this role, it is the ability to listen, consider both sides and make a reasoned, fair decision that truly matters,” said Ingram. “I have spent my career helping people navigate complex situations and I am committed to applying this same care and consideration as town justice. No one enjoys standing before a judge and it is important that the experience is handled with respect, understanding and within the bounds of the law.”
The committee is still seeking a candidate for town supervisor. If you are interested in becoming a candidate for supervisor, contact the committee at toudemc@gmail.com.
For more information about the candidates or to get involved, contact the Town of Ulster Democratic Committee secretary Edie Pugliese at ediepugliese@gmail.com or call 845-706-0517.
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