The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, Editor-in-Chief Noah Eckstein moderates a video Q&A with Gaetana Ciarlante, the Conservative nominee, and incumbent Saugerties Town Supervisor Fred Costello, […]
Politics
Posted inPolitics
Olive
Meet the Candidates: Jim Sofranko on Affordable Housing, Improving Communication and Bridging Divides
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, Senior Reporter Jim Rich sits down with Jim Sofranko,the incumbent and Democratic nominee for Olive Supervisor, who is running against […]
Posted inPolitics
Saugerties
Meet the Candidates: Saugerties Town Board
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, Saugerties Town Board candidates Bill Barr and Stephanie Bassler, both Democrats, and Zachery C. Horton and Michael A. Sasso III, […]
Posted inPolitics
Hurley
Meet the Candidates: Hurley Town Board
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, senior reporter Jim Rich sits down with Tim Kelly, who is running for Hurley Town Councilperson as the Keep Hurley […]
Posted inPolitics
Olive
Meet the Candidates: Olive Town Board
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, Senior Reporter Jim Rich sat down with both current Olive Planning Board member Edwin Maldonado, a Democratic nominee for the […]
Posted inPolitics
Shandaken
Meet the Candidates: Barbara Mansfield on Communication, Cell Service, and Preparing Shandaken for the Future
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, senior reporter Jim Rich sits down with Barbara Mansfield, the Democratic nominee for Shandaken supervisor, who is running against incumbent […]
Posted inPolitics
Shandaken
Meet the Candidates: Supervisor Peter DiSclafani on Affordable Housing, Government Efficiency, and Shandaken’s Future
The Overlook is conducting a series of interviews with candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election, offering readers the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape their communities. In this installment, senior reporter Jim Rich speaks with incumbent Shandaken Supervisor Peter DiSclafani, who is seeking reelection on the Working Families Party […]
Posted inPolitics
Overlook
2025 Election Guide: Who’s on Your Local Ballot
As voters across the Catskills prepare to head to the polls, The Overlook has compiled sample ballots and candidate listings for towns throughout Ulster and Greene counties. Click here to find your polling placeClick here for Ulster County Sample BallotsClick here for Greene County Sample Ballots The early voting period will be from Saturday, October […]
Posted inPolitics
Woodstock
Anula Courtis Runs for Woodstock Town Supervisor
“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 […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Amenta Tapped as New Deputy Ulster County Executive
The longtime federal official and Phoenicia resident steps into the role as Johanna Contreras departs for Rep. Pat Ryan’s office.
Posted inPolitics
Woodstock
Erin Moran Runs for Woodstock Town Supervisor
Erin Moran, a Woodstock native, is seeking election as town supervisor, vowing to bring financial discipline, environmental stewardship and improved transparency to town government. “Whether you grew up here or moved here, we all are in Woodstock for a reason,” Moran said. “As supervisor, I look forward to coming together and making positive changes.” A […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Dr. Lee McGunnigle Wins Mayoral Race in Tannersville
Following a one-week delay in certifying the results, Dr. Lee McGunnigle has officially been declared the winner over Deputy Mayor David Kashman in the race for mayor of the Village of Tannersville. McGunnigle, who previously served as mayor for more than two decades, returns to office after losing a closely contested race to current Mayor […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Shandaken Supervisor DiSclafani Seeks Another Term
“I’m very proud of what’s happening here in Shandaken, and I am eager to continue on as supervisor,” DiSclafani said, praising the leadership of the current town board. Born in Saugerties, DiSclafani has lived in Shandaken for more than 30 years. He and his wife ran the Catskill Rose restaurant on Route 212 in Mt. […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Election Outcome Uncertain in Tannersville as Trustee Resigns
The results of the March 18 Village of Tannersville election remain undecided as absentee ballots will determine the outcome of a closely contested race. Voter turnout was significant, with 230 registered voters casting ballots, including 61 absentee votes already counted. However, the final results will not be known until all outstanding absentee ballots are tallied […]
Posted inNews
Hurley
Hurley Town Supervisor Michael Boms campaigns for another term
Hurley Town Supervisor Michael Boms says he is ready for another term, emphasizing the town’s finances, infrastructure upgrades, and leachate as his top priorities. Boms, who lived in Olive for 30 years before moving to Hurley in 2015, said he was dismayed to learn there was no reliable cable service—something his wife, a nutritionist, required […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Village of Tannersville Trustee Race Heats Up
Four candidates are competing for two open Village Trustee seats in a race that reflects renewed civic engagement following last year’s failed dissolution vote. The seats are currently held by Dylan Legg, who is not seeking re-election, and David Kashman, who is running for mayor against former Mayor Dr. Lee McGunnigle. The candidates are: Trustees […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Saugerties Mayor William Murphy Runs Unopposed in March 18 Election
“When I took over for Mayor Yerick in 2010, I would have laughed if someone told me I’d still be mayor in 2025,” Mayor William Murphy said with a chuckle. “But I honestly love the Village of Saugerties more than anything—except, of course, my wife and kids.” Born and raised in the village, Murphy began […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Lee McGunnigle Runs for Tannersville Mayor, Citing Leadership and Revitalization as Priorities
Lee McGunnigle is no stranger to Tannersville’s local government. The former mayor, who narrowly lost his 2023 bid by a single vote, is running again—this time against Deputy Mayor David Kashman. McGunnigle, running as an Independent on the Friends of Tannersville ticket, said his campaign is driven by concerns over stalled projects and a lack […]
Posted inNews, Politics
David Kashman Runs for Tannersville Mayor, Prioritizing Infrastructure and Community Engagement
David Kashman, deputy mayor of Tannersville and a six-year village trustee, is running for mayor, emphasizing responsible economic development, infrastructure upgrades, and government transparency. He has been cross-endorsed by the Mountaintop Republican and Democratic parties and faces former Mayor Lee McGunnigle, who is running as an independent. A lifelong resident, Kashman owns The Last Chance […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Barbara Mansfield Runs for Shandaken Supervisor, Citing Infrastructure and Communication as Priorities
“Grief felt like being hit by a truck,” Barbara Mansfield said. “But it transformed into action.” After losing her 16-year-old son Killian, to cancer in 2009, she channeled her energy into community-driven initiatives—helping secure grant funding for a natural playground at Glenbrook Park, creating a ukulele lending program in libraries in his honor, and running […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Journalist David Wallis Runs for Woodstock Town Supervisor, Pledges Transparency and Reform
David Wallis, a journalist and advocate for press freedom, is running for Woodstock Town Supervisor on a platform of transparency, affordable housing, and environmental action. At a Woodstock Democratic Committee meeting Wednesday, Wallis participated in what he described as a “vigorous debate” with party leaders. In a notable decision, the committee announced it would not […]