“Transparency and collaboration are the essential ingredients,” said Anula Courtis, a Woodstock Town Board member running for supervisor. After more than a decade of civic engagement—including helping to establish the town’s first Human Rights Commission and organizing multiple women’s marches—Courtis said she’s ready to take on Woodstock’s biggest challenges from the top seat.
A longtime resident and business leader, Courtis cites water safety, environmental protection, and complete streets as key concerns.
Courtis moved to Woodstock more than 10 years ago and soon thereafter immersed herself in local organizing. Her advocacy helped lead to the formation of the Human Rights Commission, where she served two terms as commissioner. In 2023, she was elected to the town board.
“I was so proud of the unbiased policing policies I worked on with the town and commission,” she said. “But it was grueling and unnecessarily difficult. I knew if I could have a seat at the town’s table, I could help make things happen efficiently,” she said.
Drawing on her 19-year corporate background solving business problems through technology, Courtis said she’s well-equipped to bring structure and strategy to local government.
As a council member, she hosted what she believes was Woodstock’s first-ever town hall on water contamination, bringing in county and state experts to speak directly with residents. She is currently working on a public dashboard to show real-time well testing results.
“A collaborative Woodstock can get this done!” she said. “In addition to science, we need a community education plan with grassroots involvement.”
Courtis also chairs the town’s Bear Task Force, which launched a children’s art contest to raise awareness about proper trash disposal. She has since drafted legislation that would require secure garbage storage.
Courtis supports sidewalk expansion, bump-outs, and traffic-calming infrastructure. She is endorsed by Eleanor’s Legacy and says she hopes voters will take the time to study all candidates’ proposals and records.
“Imagine a truly walkable Woodstock,” she said. “I think of our elderly and our dog walkers and want everyone in our community, and our tourists, to feel safe walking our streets.”
“Woodstock is ready for a different type of leader,” she said. “I love this place and am excited to be in the race. Our next supervisor must restore community trust and do what they promise. I have that track record.”
The primary election is Tuesday, June 24, with early voting June 14-22.
This profile is part of The Overlook’s series covering all candidates running for Woodstock town supervisor.
Chana Widawski is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com
