James E. Quigley runs unopposed for town supervisor in Ulster; voters to decide on two town board seats and town justice

The only candidate in the Town of Ulster running unopposed is supervisor James E. Quigley, 3rd. Voters will have their say on two open seats on the town board and one town justice. 

Incumbent Town Board member Michael Schatzel, endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties, did not submit responses to our questionnaire. 

Town Supervisor

James E. Quigley, 3rd

Incumbent (first elected in 2009, served ever since)

Occupation: Professional politician in the supervisor’s office

Party endorsements: Republican and Conservative

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those?

The issues are no different than the issues I’ve faced for the last 16 years, which has been to provide a cost-effective government to a community of retirees and pension holders so that they can afford to live in their houses. 

Since COVID, we’ve had an acceleration of inflation and the cost of running the town have gone through the roof. For example, we will shortly be paying more for medical insurance than most of our employees earn. And police pensions run 47 percent of their salaries.

Town Justice

Susan Kesick

Incumbent (served since January 1, 2006)

Occupation: Town justice

Party endorsements: Republican and Conservative 

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those?

The Town of Ulster is one of the busiest courts in New York State. As such, our community needs a strong, qualified and experienced Justice. I have over 37 years of criminal court experience, 17+ as a court clerk, currently serving my 20th year as town justice. 

Amy Ingram

Challenger

Occupation: Attorney and law firm owner

Party endorsements: Democrat, Working Families, Our Town of Ulster

Experience: I have been a practicing attorney since 2011,opening my own practice. I have extensive litigation experience in both town and family court as both a private and assigned attorney. 

What do you see as the most pressing issue/issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those? 

The court needs to have integrity brought back to it. The bench should not be used for a feeling of power by the judge but instead as a means for justice for the community and the parties before it. It is my firm belief that people are not to be judged simply by the piece of paper in front of me, but by the individual. While the court must always dispense justice within the bounds of the law, it should be done with understanding, empathy and fairness. 

Town Board

Anna Hayner

Incumbent (first elected in 2020)

Occupation: Secretary for the Kingston City School District and a hairdresser

Party endorsements: Republican and Conservative

What do you see as the most pressing issue/issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those? 

Our town population is aging and because of this they require service such as ambulances, police and fire. With that said, we are challenged with the cost to make it possible. In 2025, we made the decision to contract with an ambulance service for $1.2 million which obviously raised our expenses by $1.2 million and our revenues did not increase by $1.2 million which has now fallen onto the taxpayers. To continue to make this affordable we need responsible development to help continue to pay for these services. Other expenses are rising as well such as, our expenses like medical coverage for our active employees as well as retirees, pension contribution continues to exceed the cost of inflation. We need to continue to practice control in ALL areas. I also still stand behind the idea that we need to attract younger families to our town by offering events and amenities directed toward the younger families. Give them the same reasons that attracted my husband and I to choose this town to raise our children back in 2003. Which is why I will continue to work hard for working-class families. During my time on the board, I have continued to enforce transparency and we as a town are giving out more information than most of the municipalities in our area. I and our town will continue on that path.

Laura Hartmann

Challenger

Occupation: Artist (music) manager

Party endorsements: Democrat, Working Families Party, Our Town of Ulster

What do you see as the most pressing issue/issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those? 

Our community faces challenges with affordable housing, mall revitalization and environmental protection, especially preserving mature trees from over development. These issues can be addressed by updating the comprehensive plan and making the zoning code compatible. I also support reactivating the Economic Development Committee to better balance business tax revenue with residents’ quality of life.

Alex Smith

Challenger

Occupation: Family peer advocate

Party endorsements: Democrat and Working Families party

What do you see as the most pressing issue/issues facing your community, and how, if elected, would you tackle those? 

Lack of affordable housing and lack of living wage employment. Try to have a limit placed on air b&b and bring rent stabilization to the town. Seek out companies that would provide livable wages to residents through tax incentives and other measures.