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 endorse any candidate for Town Supervisor—a move that could shift the dynamics of the race.
“This is a town that has been governed by the same people for a long time,” Wallis said. “The fact that the Democratic Committee isn’t putting its weight behind a candidate shows that even they recognize the need for change.”
Wallis has spent much of his career challenging institutional power, including a 2008 lawsuit against the NYPD and then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration over its refusal to grant press credentials to online journalists. Filed with attorney Norman Siegel, the lawsuit sought to clarify the city’s credentialing process, which Wallis argued was arbitrary and violated the First Amendment.
“I’ve seen what unfairness looks like,” Wallis said. “I’ve seen people in power use their authority to punish their critics. That doesn’t belong in government at any level.”
Wallis is a five-year resident of Woodstock and has owned property in the area since 2004. In 2019, he experienced a personal tragedy when his home in Stone Ridge burned down. The response from local firefighters and neighbors left a lasting impression, inspiring him to later join the Woodstock Fire Department’s Company 2 as a volunteer.
“I didn’t have much interaction with the fire department until they saved my home—or what was left of it,” he said. “I saw firsthand the incredible work they do, and I knew I had to step up and serve.”
Among his top priorities is affordable housing, which he sees as essential to preserving Woodstock’s character. He points to rising housing costs as a major challenge for longtime residents.
“This is a town that prides itself on its artistic and working-class roots, but at this rate, only the wealthy can afford to stay,” he told The Overlook.
Another key issue for Wallis is the Shady Dump, a five-year-old construction debris site that has raised concerns among some experts and residents about potential water contamination. Wallis has consulted with hydrogeologist Paul Rubin, who has argued that the town’s remediation efforts may not be sufficient.
“Rubin told me point-blank: ‘The town should be out there representing their entire constituency who are at risk of having their aquifer contaminated.’ But they haven’t,” Wallis said. “We need a town supervisor who will actually take this seriously.”
Wallis is also advocating for greater government transparency and communication, including regular newsletters, improved public hearing access, and a more responsive administration.
“People show up to these town meetings, and half the time, the Zoom isn’t working or they can’t hear anything,” he said. “That’s unacceptable. We’re a town full of tech-savvy people—there’s no excuse for this level of dysfunction.”
Wallis is running a grassroots campaign, meeting with voters and local organizations such as Family of Woodstock, a nonprofit dedicated to crisis intervention services. “I enjoy retail campaigning. I love talking to people, hearing their concerns,” he said.
With the Democratic primary set for June 24 and early voting starting June 14, Wallis hopes his message will resonate with Woodstock residents.
“If I’m elected, I don’t care if you’re wildly wealthy or flat broke—I will treat you the same,” he said. “That’s what public service should be.”
This profile is part of The Overlook’s ongoing series covering all candidates running for Woodstock town supervisor.
Noah Eckstein is the editor-in-chief of The Overlook. Send correspondence to noah@theoverlooknews.com
