2023 Candidates
The first step in our effort to return government to the people is to elect candidates to office who will adhere to the Conservative Principles outlined on the Home Page. To achieve that, we endorsed the following candidates who have either proven themselves worthy by past actions or have shown promise for future actions.
For Town Board — George Heidcamp
Background—I reside in Saugerties with my wife, Arnette. I have lived in this Town for more than 70 years. I am also a life-long member of the American Legion and have been a member of The Blue Katz for several years. I attended Saugerties High School, as well as several law-enforcement classes.
Military Service—I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963, was trained in Boot Camp at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Afterward, I did a 13-month tour in Korea, followed by a 17-month tour in Germany. After serving three years, I was honorably discharged in 1966.
Law Enforcement Career—In 1973 I was sworn in as a police office with the Town of Saugerties Police Department. In 2010, I officially retired after having served this community for 38 years. Of that 38 years, I served for 18 years as president of the local Policemen's Benevolent Association and was appointed to the position of Sergeant during the Woodstock Festival. While a police officer, I was a radar instructor, and completed many training courses.
Other Community Service—
- I served on the Diaz Ambulance Board of Directors for six years.
- In 2007, I was elected to a three-year-term on the Saugerties Central School Board. I was elected Vice-President of the Board for two years. That was followed by being elected and serving as President of the Board for six years.
- I've held the position of Chairman of the Saugerties Conservative Party for 35 years, and also served for four years as the 1st Vice-Chairman of the Ulster County Conservative Party.
- I co-chaired, together with Marie Post, the fundraising of approximately $75,000 for the benefit and subsequent construction of The Small World Playground.
As can be seen above, I have dedicated almost my entire adult life in service to my town and country. Although I am now retired, I would like to continue that service with a position on the Town Board and believe I would be an asset in that position.
For Town Board — Al Bruno
I am a life long area resident, born and raised in Glasco. Currently living in Malden with my wife Lisa. I have a daughter Traci, and two step daughters Meghan and Mackenzie Rapp.
A 1979 graduate of Saugerties High school. I attended Ulster County Community College.
Employed for most of my adult life in the HVAC field. I was an instructor at Ulster County BOCES teaching the adult ed. oil heat program. In addition, I have worked in the Radiant heat industry, designing, installing and servicing all types of energy efficient comfort systems. I am currently employed in the engineering Dept. at Vassar Bros. Medical Center, specializing as an HVAC technician. As well as representing 900 employees as a union delegate with SEIU local 1199.
I have been involved with community service by attending town board meetings in the last several years, as well as several town committees, including current chairman of the Saugerties Board of Assessment Review and former chairman of the Saugerties Ethics Committee. I am a member of the Saugerties Transportation Advisory Committee and am also a former member of Saugerties Conservation Advisory Committee/Climate Smart Committee.
As a former legislator for Saugerties District 2, I served on the County's Energy and Environmental Committee, the Public Health and Human Services Committee, Trails and Rail Advisory Committee and the Recycling Oversight Committee.
Outside of town work, I also am the NYS coordinator of the “Warrior Watch Riders” and “A Hero’s Welcome”. Providing welcome home and escort events for our brave men and women of the armed forces. I also belong to MSAWI (Major Stuart A. Wolfer Institute), sending care packages to our troops all over the world.
In addition, I am also a member in good standing with the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and the NRA.
Town Justice — Gaetana Ciarlante
A true Saugerties native and life time resident, Gaetana maintains her family's over-a-century-old-homestead. Her grandfather began as a foreman in the Washburn Brickyards in Glasco, and her father a teamster before the unions existed. From those humble beginnings, her family was able to start an ice and coal business and later an oil delivery business warming the homes, restaurants and taverns of our community. Her maternal grandmother started Pesce Bakery in Katsbann during the Great Depression which is still in operation today. Determination, hard work, and faith when doing the right thing were passed to Gaetana. Gaetana’s son, Saugerties High Valedictorian is a graduate of Harvard and Northwestern law school. She has 2 precious granddaughters. As a single parent, Gaetana earned her Masters Degree from SUNY Albany and became certified by NY State in Social Work and also as a Forensic Trainer. She served as a supervisor for Ulster County in the areas of Forensics, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and worked directly with the judicial system as well as Corrections. She is active in volunteer organizations addressing the topics of alcohol and drug abuse and domestic issues.
She is a strong constitutionalist and as such is serving he 6th year as Secretary to the Saugerties Fish and Game Club, She is the founder-director of Operation SOS, a not-for-profit voluntary 5013c which supports American deployed service people and veterans. A frequent attendee of town board meetings she has been outspoken about issues impacting individual rights as well as issues that endanger the town residents as a whole. Memberships include:
American Legion Auxiliary
Saugerties Powerboat Association
St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Music Ministry and Lector
St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Altar Rosary Society
SACRED: Saugerties Assertive Citizens for Responsible Economic Development (organizer)
Malden Yatch Club (kayaking)
Gaetana is proud of her I mile successful swim across the Hudson River at Ulster Landing Road in 2010. A lover of the Hudson River she can often be found kayaking, swimming or otherwise working near the river. In 2019, she founded Hudson Riverfront Preservation LLC, sharing her family home, local history and respect and love of nature with visitors to the Saugerties area.
Gaetana’s lengthy experience of working with people experiencing difficulties, her conservative beliefs which range from Conservation to individual human rights, her knowledge of community resources (not excluding corrections) and her willingness to “think outside of the box” offers Saugerties a unique, fresh and effective opportunity to address criminal and legal issues facing Saugertesians.
Receiver of Taxes — Diane Friedmann
Coming Soon
For Legislator (District 3) — Jason Kovacs
EDUCATION: SUNY Binghamton (Bachelor of Arts); Syracuse University College of Law (J.D.)
PERSONAL: Married to Sarah Norton Kovacs, two sons.
I am a lifelong resident of Ulster County. After high school, I went away to college and law school, and I became an attorney in 2004. I work at a law firm in Kingston, and I've been there almost 20 years. I specialize in real estate, trusts and estates, and municipal law. I am admitted to practice law in New York State and Pennsylvania.
I'm proud to have been the town attorney in the Town of Ulster for 14 years. I work closely with our Town Supervisor, Jim Quigley, and together we've done some great things in the Town of Ulster. We have promoted economic development, while at the same time preserving the scenic beauty of our area.
I am running for county legislature because it's more important than ever that our county government have the proper oversight. Not a week goes by where we don't read an article in the Daily Freeman about some new scandal out of county government. Whether it's our finance commissioner resigning under a cloud, our human rights commissioner resigning under a cloud, or multiple board members at the Resource Recovery Agency resigning and alleging various abuses, it's clear that we need a county legislature that is willing to provide vigorous review and oversight. That is not taking place right now, but that will change next year. Community involvement is very important to me. I am a current library trustee, a Cub Scout Den Leader, and a Saugerties AYSO soccer coach. I am also a member and Past President of the Ulster County Bar Association.
I am grateful to receive the Conservative Party endorsement and I look forward to working with your Conservative candidates for town and county office this fall.
For Ulster County District Attorney — Mike Kavanagh
About Mike
20 Years Experience as both a Prosecutor and Criminal Defense Attorney of serious felony cases
Ulster County Elder Abuse Task Force Former Executive Board Member
Ulster County Opioid Task Force Board Member
Countywide Opioid Task Force Board Member
Former Chief Prosecutor under District Attorney Holley Carnright
URGENT Task Force Former Supervisor
Ulster County Animal Abuse Bureau Board Member
Former Bureau Chief of the Conviction Integrity Unit
Experience Matters for Public Safety
As Ulster County’s Chief Assistant District Attorney, Mike successfully prosecuted some of the most dangerous criminals this county has ever known, including murderers, rapists and child abusers. He has been a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, and has a long record of success in high profile cases.
Supporting a Holistic Approach to Mental Health
We must make sure that people get the help that they need. By working in harmony with partner agencies and non-profit organizations, Mike will ensure that the criminal justice system is doing its part in creating positive outcomes for individuals and the community as a whole.
Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
Mike has made combating the opioid epidemic a priority. As a member of two opioid task forces, he has worked in conjunction with addiction treatment experts, community organizations like the RYAN House and Hope Rocks and law enforcement personnel to educate the community and develop life-saving solutions to this crisis.
Preventing Domestic Violence
Mike was instrumental in creating the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention pilot program. It employs an offender based, preventative approach to domestic violence by targeting abusers early on for prosecution and before the violence escalates.
Protecting Elderly Citizens
Mike recognizes that our most vulnerable citizens need to be a law enforcement priority. He has served as a Panelist of the Elder Abuse Task Force, providing critical information to seniors and their families about elder abuse, ageism and scams that target our seniors.
Prioritizing School Safety
As a parent with children in our local public schools, Mike has spoken up for transparency and accountability in keeping our next generation safe. The public must have confidence in the criminal justice system’s relationship with our students, teachers and administrators.
[taken from https://www.kavanaghforulster.com]
For NYS Supreme Court Justice for 3d District — Dana Salazar
Dana Salazar is the best choice for State Supreme Court.
A graduate of Albany Law School, Dana has practiced law in local, state, and federal courts for over 17 years.
She has handled complex commercial disputes, personal injury cases and land use matters while at the same time acting as assigned counsel representing children in family law matters.
She served as law clerk to Judge Susan Read on the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. Dana is a past president of the Capital District Women's Bar Association and since 2014 has served on the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Third Judicial District. She is also a long term member of the Rensselaer County Farm Bureau.
Dana resides in Rensselaer County on a small farm with her husband Claude, and very near her daughter Emmalynn Blake and son-in-law Daniel Blake.
[taken from https://www.salazarforsupreme.com]