Incumbent Amanda Gotto is campaigning for a full term as town supervisor in New Paltz, while the village’s mayor, Tim Rogers, is also running for that position. Both candidates bring over a decade of dedicated service in local government, demonstrating their commitment to the community’s growth and well-being. Voters can expect to see their names on the ballot in the highly anticipated Democratic primary scheduled for June 24.
Amanda Gotto
What makes you the most qualified candidate to be supervisor?Â
Strong local government means efficient services, accountability, and smart budgeting. As the only candidate in this race with experience managing services for both the village and town, I am uniquely qualified to guide our community through whatever challenges come to us, and there may very well be big challenges ahead — an unraveling climate crisis, ongoing attacks on our rights and huge federal cuts to the services we all love. We can’t risk losing track of what matters most: steady, transparent leadership and a commitment to making our community more secure, more green and more affordable.
As a diligent representative of all village and town residents and careful monitor of our taxpayer dollars, I know what it takes to deliver the services we all rely on. From reviewing thousands of vouchers to verify expenditures to rigorously assessing all town budgeting needs, I have challenged departments to cut costs without compromising services. Our town has earned the state comptroller’s highest fiscal score as we champion efficiency and deliver relief, all while providing continuously robust services. As supervisor, I am at work every day to keep New Paltz New Paltz: livable, inclusive and safe for all. I’ve initiated new affordable housing requirements and delivered tax relief for our low-income seniors. I recognize a plan for doing more than talk is what is needed. I am committed to exploring options for well-paying jobs and new business presences, taking advantage of all that New Paltz has to offer while not losing its unique charm. I’m a scientist, an engineer and a self-described “climate geek,” and I know the ongoing climate crisis is the existential threat of our time. With a half-decade of experience as New Paltz’s climate-smart project manager, I know what it takes to de-carbonize New Paltz. Whether it’s solar on our municipal buildings or sustainable land-use planning for our town, I’m on the job protecting our environment and powering up clean energy while saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
When it comes to defending our rights and freedoms, I won’t back down. I led the work on New Paltz’s first indigenous land and black labor acknowledgement, reaffirmed our local immigration laws to keep families safe from ICE, and when Texas and Louisiana came knocking, stood strong with Dr. Margaret Carpenter, vowing to protect our reproductive health care.
I love New Paltz and it has been my honor to serve our community. There is still much to do — I have a vision of how New Paltz can remain vital and relevant that I want to deliver. That is why I am asking for your vote on June 24.
What are the three most pressing issues right now?Â
The three most pressing problems in the Town of New Paltz are very interconnected, all parts of the bigger picture and all critical to deal with if we are to achieve any meaningful progress: 1) we need more affordable housing, 2) we need solid good-paying jobs to secure that housing and 3) we need expanded infrastructure to support that housing. The problems may be well-known; the solution demands a holistic approach and a strategic vision of what can be achieved.
1) More housing that is affordable for our workforce, our seniors, our young families — everywhere around us, working people, seniors and families are feeling the squeeze from the rising cost of housing. Examining our land use and building codes and procedures to identify where we can apply best practices with the goal of increasing affordable housing is imperative. Doing so without sacrificing safety, energy efficiency and natural resources is equally imperative. This will be a challenging undertaking that must be done with diligence and thought to balance all these factors.
2) Solid good-paying jobs — attracting companies that will provide robust jobs at competitive wages and benefits is key to supporting housing. You can’t have housing security without job security. Our town, with all its wonderful attributes, can be more than a tourist destination. Employers looking for a vital, inclusive and fiscally sound location with a hometown feel and a ready supply of freshly-minted high school, BOCES and SUNY graduates, need to know New Paltz is open for business.
3) Expanded infrastructure to support increased housing stock — we must be careful and patient not to put the cart before the horse. You must grow infrastructure as you grow housing, not afterwards. Rushing to build when the necessary utilities, roads and transportation, and public services are not in place will lead to failure, but waiting for everything to be perfect will too. Working on a flexible, phased and yet determined plan for identifying and developing all the supporting infrastructure is vital.
Tim Rogers
What makes you the most qualified candidate to be supervisor?
1. Experience: New Paltz local government experience since 2012: town planning board, board of education and ten years as village mayor.
2. Fair taxation: fiscal year 24-25 was the village’s ninth annual budget in a row without an increase to the village property tax rate.
3. Grant generation: we have secured nearly $20 million in grants, to invest in updating buildings, infrastructure and heavy equipment, including energy-efficient fire and plow trucks
What are the three most pressing issues right now?Â
As supervisor —Â my record shows — I will lead and provide:
1. Fair, accountable, and affordable taxation and budgeting
2. Optimized services and staffing to meet community needs
3. One local government meeting the needs of all of New Paltz
Join the family! 
