In Woodstock, the outcome of the Democratic primary may determine whether the supervisor and town board will for the first time in history make up an all-woman team. Town councilmember Anula Courtis, former environmental commission co-chair Erin Moran and journalist and former school board member David Wallis are competing for the top position. Here are their answers to a candidate questionnaire.
Anula Courtis
Q: How do you plan to tackle the ongoing issues with contamination of our water system and provide updates and transparency for the residents?
A: My approach tackles this crisis from every angle: We’ll expand our quarterly testing program to include more wells, work with the state to test select private wells, and publish all results on a public dashboard. After thorough research, we will install the correct filtration systems at contaminated well houses. These systems are highly effective in removing PFAS and will be monitored closely for performance.
We’ll partner with independent environmental experts to identify and eliminate the source of contamination. If necessary, we’ll work with the DEC to pursue cleanup under state authority. We will hold regular public forums and form a citizens’ advisory committee that includes grassroots groups.
We will continue to work with state experts so that we have a long-term strategy grounded in science and public safety. We’ll aggressively pursue funding from New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the federal bipartisan infrastructure law. We’ll also explore any available county or emergency funds.
Q: What is the long-term plan for the Shady dump?
A: If elected as town supervisor, I will prioritize the full cleanup of the illegal dump at 10 Church Road and ensure this never happens again. In my first month, I will take two immediate actions: Enforce our existing town laws that prohibit the dumping of construction debris and initiate the process for full removal of all contaminated material. I will personally meet with the property owner to explain my expectations and to offer a pathway toward voluntary compliance, while making it clear that inaction is not an option.
I will convene a legal strategy session with the full town board and an environmental attorney to determine the proper legal path forward. I will build on my working relationship with the New York State attorney general’s office to advise us on holding polluters accountable and using all available legal tools. I will also work with the state comptroller’s office to determine whether municipal funds can legally be used for full remediation.
Q: Do you think the proposed zoning, as part of a multi-pronged approach, is a viable answer to our housing crisis?
A: Yes, I do — but only with clear boundaries and safeguards. Zoning is a tool that can protect us from large developments and overdevelopment. The proposed changes aren’t a blanket solution, but they are an important foundation that allows Woodstock to guide growth in a way that supports affordability while protecting our environment and rural character.
There are positive steps in the updated code: stronger environmental protections, new authority for the planning board to require water and traffic studies, limits on the size of multi-family housing, and a 50 percent conservation requirement for subdivisions.
This said, I am firmly against any building anywhere in the R8 zone — our most sensitive areas. These lands must be preserved, not opened to development of any kind. I also don’t want to see buildings higher than two stories, or large multi-unit “plexes” that don’t fit Woodstock’s character or infrastructure. Scale and location both matter.
Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed noise ordinance? Is it a good compromise or does it go too far?
A: I voted no on the proposed noise ordinance because I don’t believe it’s ready to move forward. In its current form, it goes too far and isn’t balanced. We are a colony of the arts, Shutting down live music at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in Woodstock is simply unreasonable.
Of course, I understand the importance of quiet and the need to respect neighbors, especially on weeknights. But a blanket cutoff that essentially bans music in town during our busiest and most vibrant nights is not the solution.
We need an ordinance that reflects the real rhythms of life in Woodstock — protecting peace and quiet while still supporting our artists, musicians, and small venues.
Q: What makes you qualified for the job?
A: I bring experience, results, collaboration, and a deep commitment to Woodstock. I’ve spent nearly a decade in public service — serving on the town board, chairing and participating in key task forces, and leading efforts that reflect our community’s values and priorities.
I served for four years as chair of the Woodstock Human Rights Commission and co-founded the Woodstock Women’s March. I’ve led initiatives on police reform, environmental protection, youth programs and public safety.
Beyond local government, I have decades of experience in the business world, where I built and led successful healthcare technology companies, managed budgets, negotiated contracts, and solved complex problems with both creativity and focus.
About Courtis: Courtis is a proud mom of two young dogs and two senior cats, and the first-generation daughter of Greek and Polish immigrants. Her deep love of nature and animals, strong work ethic, and lifelong activism inform a grounded, community-focused approach to public service.
Before public office, Courtis spent decades building and consulting for healthcare technology companies. She co-founded the Woodstock Women’s March and served four years as chair of the Woodstock Human Rights Commission. Today, she chairs the bear task force, serves on the police reimagination task force, and launched a county-wide youth art contest promoting bear safety. She also serves on the board of the Good Neighbor food pantry.
“I didn’t run to be in politics. I stepped up because I care. I’ve worked with residents on everything from clean water to community art projects. Now I’m running to bring those voices to the center of decision-making.”
Erin Moran
Q: How do you plan to tackle the ongoing issues with contamination of our water system and provide updates and transparency for the residents?
A: I believe a proactive remediation plan is the answer to ensuring we have clean water here in Woodstock. For any contamination of the town’s water involving PFAS, it makes sense to continue monitoring quarterly, to get more data to make a more informed decision. I believe that the long-term solution lies in either a reverse osmosis filtration system or charcoal filters. Both methods have been successful in removing PFAS as well as other pollutants.
Q: What is the long-term solution for the Shady dump?
A: I would continue to work with the neighbors and review everything that has taken place to date. This means involving all stakeholders, including NYS DEC and environmental agencies like the Department of Health to make sure no stone is left unturned — pun intended. Ultimately, the contaminated fill needs to be removed and taken to a registered processing facility.
If elected, I will also make sure that this doesn’t happen again by making sure that our building inspector has any resources needed to enforce the revised C&D law.
Q: Do you think the proposed zoning, as part of a multi-pronged approach, is a viable answer to our housing crisis?
A: The proposed zoning updates that are currently waiting for approval from the town board are a great start, but zoning alone isn’t enough. It must be paired with infrastructure requirements and affordability programs to ensure we get residents in homes. Some of my ideas I spoke about at the WDC forum on May 31 included streamlining the permitting process for small-scale projects, adding a mansion tax/fee requiring the buyer to pay an additional fee for properties over two million dollars. That tax/fee could then fund a housing trust fund, which would help get residents into long-term housing. We can’t just incentivize developers with tax breaks for affordable housing. We need to take advantage of grants and programs already available in Ulster County and NYS to assist residents in purchasing homes, including vulnerable residents, like the disabled, victims of domestic violence, and veterans.
Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed noise ordinance? Is it a good compromise or does it go too far?
A: After speaking to the owners of an establishment that would be affected by the ordinance, I think we should try the ordinance as it is for a year to see what the outcome is and how it affects the town’s character. If we end up back at the table for revisions, I will make sure that all stakeholders are heard.
Q: What makes you qualified for the job?
A: I’m qualified to serve as town supervisor because I bring a deep commitment and love of Woodstock, plus a clear understanding of how our town government works. I have used my leadership skills to bring people together and get things done. I truly understand the issues we’re facing: the housing crisis, infrastructure needs, environmental protection, and the pressures on our small-town character. I’ve worked directly with residents, businesses, and local organizations, and I know how to build consensus and manage budgets.
My experience — volunteering on the environmental commission for five years, being appointed as the Climate Smart Communities coordinator in 2019, volunteering on the Woodstock Democratic Committee — has made me aware of what Woodstock needs now.
I have experience advocating for our community at the county and state levels through the Climate Smart Communities program as coordinator for the town. I have built relationships within our community by thoughtfully listening to the needs of residents and business owners.
Over the course of my career, I’ve overseen budgets significantly larger than our town’s, giving me the financial discipline, accountability, and strategic planning skills that Woodstock deserves. I will ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and transparently. That kind of experience matters, especially as Woodstock faces tough decisions around infrastructure, housing, and services.
But just as important as experience is approach. I believe in open communication, data-informed decisions, and inclusive leadership. Woodstock needs a supervisor who is responsive, proactive, and ready to stand up for what’s right — and I’m ready to do that work every day!
About Moran: Erin Moran is a longtime Woodstock resident and the “environmental candidate” for town supervisor. With over 30 years of experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets in public sectors, she brings proven leadership and fiscal responsibility to the table. Erin is deeply committed to preserving Woodstock’s natural beauty and environment, while addressing its housing and infrastructure needs.
Erin has also volunteered extensively for the Town of Woodstock, gaining first-hand experience with how local government works — and sometimes doesn’t. Erin has a truly deep understanding of Woodstock’s needs. She is passionate about continuing to protect the town’s natural resources while addressing urgent housing and infrastructure challenges. Erin is committed to inclusive, sustainable leadership that keeps Woodstock thriving for all.
Moran is married to Jason Lesko and has a four-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback named Jackson, a five-year-old Siamese-mix cat named Luna, and a two-year-old black cat named Shady.
She served on Woodstock’s environmental commission from 2019 to 2024, is the town’s Climate Smart Communities coordinator, served on the Woodstock Democratic Committee, and most recently was appointed to the police task force.
“This campaign isn’t about politics,” she said, “it’s about people. I’m ready to serve with integrity clarity, and heart. I’m running because Woodstock means a lot to me, and I’m ready to give back in a way that helps preserve what we love about it, while preparing thoughtfully for the future.”
David Wallis
Q: How do you plan to tackle the ongoing issues with contamination of our water system and provide updates and transparency for the residents?
A: If Woodstock is known not as a Colony of the Arts but for dirty drinking water, then we all suffer — as will our property values. The town should immediately contract with an independent hydrogeologist — not rely on a town engineer— to hunt for the source of the dangerous forever chemicals that taint our water.
But if source testing proves inconclusive, then we will likely need to invest in filtration. Options include a granular activated carbon system, reverse osmosis as well as new technologies. Such systems will require significant investment. Fortunately, public and philanthropic funds are available for water-protection initiatives. That’s one reason why that I urge the town to hire a full-time, professional grantswriter.
The town should always level with its residents about problems. That means fixing the sound issues that plague broadcasts of town meetings and make them sometimes evoke 1960s kung-fu movies. Let’s post more archival documents about our water quality on a redesigned, easy-to-navigate website.
We should regularly deliver news about town business in an email newsletter and establish an automated emergency alert system to speedily communicate with residents by telephone, text and email if a crisis strikes.
Q: What is the long-term solution for the Shady dump?
A: Enforce Woodstock’s own strong law, which clearly states that no person or corporation can dump demolition debris within the town’s boundaries. The current town government has failed for years to remediate the illegal Shady dump and remove the contaminated waste that is likely seeping into our aquifer.
One of my opponents, councilmember Anula Courtis, acknowledged the scope of the threat to the attorney general’s office. She wrote: “The DEC claims there was a cleanup that was sufficient. There is now proof that the debris in whole is toxic, not just the big pieces – all the small pieces.”
Yet she voted on September 17th, 2024 against a resolution calling for the cleanup of the dump. Hundreds of trucks of refuse went in and hundreds of trucks could go out. And the homeowner who accepted this dangerous toxic mess should pay for the cleanup, an outcome once envisioned by current supervisor, Bill McKenna.
“We will have the court power to go in and remove the stuff,” he said. “The town pays for it and then we levy it on his tax bill. The following year the county makes the town whole. We’re paid. The county goes after him and if he can’t pay them, they foreclose on his property — a clean property.”
Q: Do you think the proposed zoning as part of a multi-pronged approach is a viable answer to our housing crisis?
A: No. I oppose new zoning proposals, which masquerade as an affordable-housing initiative but will actually encourage overdevelopment, cause congestion, and lead to lawsuits.
I recently FOIL-ed letters to the town from Snyder & Snyder, a law firm which represents a group of local residents. It accused the town of violating the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the state’s open-meetings law in its rezoning efforts. The legal letters are legal shots across the bow. The last thing Woodstock needs is another unnecessary lawsuit.
To develop more affordable, workforce and senior housing, the next supervisor should make every effort to woo back RUPCO, which built Woodstock Commons under the current zoning laws.
Also, under Section 457 of New York State’s Real Property Tax Law, the town can establish a property-tax exemption for newly constructed homes purchased by first-time homebuyers.
Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed noise ordinance? Is it a good compromise, or does it go too far?
A: It’s a reasonable compromise that will still make nobody entirely happy. But I question the process for determining whether a live music venue has exceeded a time limit. Will the town position a police officer or an enforcement officer outside The Colony with a stopwatch? I suppose we could investigate sound recording technology and place monitors by venues. If we pass a law, enforce it.
Q: What makes you qualified for the job?
Woodstock needs new leadership, and I am the only candidate that represents real change. I have taken on entrenched power as a journalist, a career that trained me to research difficult problems, analyze data, listen to experts across the political spectrum, develop common-sense solutions, and communicate clearly.
I care about my neighbors, having served as a member of Woodstock’s fire department, as a trustee on Onteora’s school board, and as a volunteer with the local free firewood program that helps struggling residents stay warm.
I will make fighting poverty a priority and take action to make Woodstock more affordable. For instance, I’ll expand the property-tax exemption for disabled and senior residents and not raise taxes if there’s a significant surplus like the town did last year. I’ll eliminate summer-camp tuition for low-income residents and cut building permit fees for low-income applicants. I will always advocate for people who are just trying to hang on in an increasingly unaffordable town.
About Wallis: “I’m an award-winning journalist, who has contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian, among other publications. For six years, I worked as managing director of a nonprofit newsroom founded by Barbara Ehrenreich, the legendary labor reporter. During my tenure, our budget nearly tripled and our journalistic production nearly quintupled.”
Wallis lives with his wife and son in Bearsville and has owned a home in Ulster County since 2004.
Join the family! 
