2025 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 Supervisor — elect Gaetana Ciarlante
A true Saugerties native and lifetime resident, Gaetana Ciarlante 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, while doing the right thing, were the traits passed down to Gaetana.
Gaetana Ciarlante is neither a newcomer to politics nor is she newcomer to confronting issues having a negative impact on Saugerties. As the Acting Chairman of the Saugerties Conservative Committee for the past two years, her motto has been: "There is no such thing as a free lunch;” someone, somewhere is incurring the cost.
During her previous campaigns she has come up against a lack of strong support from party bosses who don't practice conservative values in the policies they develop. Why do you suppose that is; do they still consider politics to be a “men-only sport"? Gaetana has a message for them: "I'll straighten out Saugerties and then go back to the kitchen."
Also in her Conservative Committee position, Gaetana had been recruiting candidates to run for office but there was a vacuum particularly when it came to candidates for supervisor. Gaetana threw her hat in the ring at the Conservative caucus after the third request for nominations for supervisor yielded no nominations. Costello would have once again be the only Supervisor candidate on the ballot on November 4th. Costello has been on the town board for the past 22-years, and is endorsed by the Democrat Party bosses (who never saw a regulation or a tax they didn't like) for a third term for supervisor and is responsible for the misuse of the town's credit card, a practice he continued from Greg Helsmoortel. Costello's response to the NY State Comptroller's audit was one of ignorance of the law i.e., spending taxpayers' dollars; but if he didn't know it after 22 years, how many more years will it take for him to learn it? And think about the previous 18-years of spending not reflected in the NY State audit.
As a believer in freedom, Ciarlante sees herself as pro choice by now offering the Saugerties’ voters a choice as even the Republican Committee have shied away from endorsing a candidate to oppose Costello. She states, "I don't want the history books to show that we citizens became apathetic and gave away our power and our freedom to make choices." The voters now have a choice and hope for change with Gaetana Ciarlante's name now appearing on Line “C” for town supervisor.
Gaetana is a lifelong resident of Saugerties. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work, and her professional career is in forensics, substance abuse and mental health treatment. In 2019 she established Hudson Riverfront Preservation, which seeks to preserve and educate guests about post civil war life in the Glasco-Saugerties area including immigrants and earlier settlers. Her other pursuits include kayaking, gardening and singing, especially songs from the early 1900’s.
She is the founder and director of Operation SOS, a not-for-profit voluntary 5013c that 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. Her memberships and activities include:
American Legion Auxiliary (past secretary)
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)
Saugerties Fish and Game Club (past secretary)
Gaetana’s one-mile successful swim across the Hudson River exemplifies her closeness to the river and nature.
Now Saugerties has a choice for hope and change on Line “C” on November 4th.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Town Board — re-elect Zach Horton
I have the privilege to say that Saugerties has been my home for all thirty-two years of my life. My wife and I met while in high school and together, we are raising our two-year-old son here. We can't imagine life elsewhere.
After I graduated college in 2015, I began my professional career with the State of New York. Currently, I work for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. In this capacity, I work daily with our state and federal partners to ensure that New York State remains resilient, hyper-vigilant, and capable of responding to acts of terrorism.
In addition to my state service, for the last six years I have been working privately with a young man who has developmental disabilities. My goal in working with this young man is to ensure that he has the ability and opportunity to engage in his hobbies and pursue the highest quality of life possible with complete determination.
The greatest and most rewarding aspect of my career has been, and always will be, the ability to be a part of something that is greater than any one person. This is the mindset that I plan to continue to bring to the Town of Saugerties. I am a man of integrity, transparency, and accountability. I can say with complete confidence that these qualities will continue to transpire to the Town Board.
I look forward to continuing my service on behalf of Saugerties.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Town Board — elect Mike Sasso
Born and raised in Saugerties, NY, I am a proud graduate of Charles M. Riccardi Elementary School and Saugerties High School, Class of 1988. I earned my associate degree in Business Management from Hudson Valley Community College and later completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Management at DeVry Institute of Technology.
My professional journey began in 1993 at GTECH Corporation, a lottery and gaming company formerly located on Burt Street in Saugerties. Starting as a field technician, I repaired lottery terminals across the Hudson Valley. Over the years, I advanced through several roles, and today I serve as the Senior Director of North American Services at BrightStar Lottery (formerly GTECH). In this role, I oversee a team of 400 field technicians, supported by 9 managers and 26 supervisors, spanning from Maine to Florida and as far west as Indiana and Kentucky. I am responsible for team productivity, strategic growth, and managing a $54 million annual budget.
Beyond my professional career, I’ve remained deeply committed to my community. I’ve coached youth softball and soccer through the Saugerties Athletic Association, supporting my two daughters and many other young athletes. I’ve proudly served the Glasco Fire District for over a decade, holding positions from Firefighter to Chief of the Department for 13 years. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Ulster County Chiefs Association and on the Town of Saugerties Ethics Committee for 2025.
I am passionate about responsible growth, fiscal oversight, and creating job opportunities that align with the cost of living in our region. Our future lies in empowering the next generation, and I am committed to ensuring that Saugerties remains a place where young people can thrive and build their futures.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Town Clerk — re-elect Lisa Stanley
Lisa A. Stanley has been Saugerties’ town clerk since January 1, 2004. She is pleased to be endorsed by the Conservative Party; she is also endorsed by the Republican Party. There have been many changes to the Town Clerk's Office since 2004. New York State no longer licenses dogs for individual towns, so this is now done locally. Handicap tags are now issued through the Town Clerk's Office instead of the Police Department. The day-to-day work has been set up and logged through a computer program through Williamson Law. The office continues to do licensing of hunting, fishing, marriage; maintain vital records; issue permits for fireworks, mass gatherings, boat launch and generators. Working with deputies Sasha Sittner and Justine LaVigne, the Town Clerk’s Office continues to greet the public and help individuals with requests.
On a personal note, Lisa is married with four children and five grandchildren.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Receiver of Taxes — re-elect Diane Friedmann
Diane has lived in Saugerties for over 40 years. She is married to her husband Michael and together they have a daughter, Elizabeth, a son Jonathan and one new grandson, Thomas Joseph (TJ). She has been Receiver of Taxes for over 2 years and is grateful to be endorsed by the Conservative Party as well as the Republican Party.
Besides collecting the Town and County taxes from January through June and the School Taxes from September to November, the tax office is responsible for collecting water/sewer payments, processing payroll, processing bills, HR, working on the annual budget and many other accounting functions for the Town.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Highway Superintendent — re-elect Ray Mayone
It would be an honor to be re-elected as the Town of Saugerties Highway Superintendent.
I am a Saugerties High School graduate and have been married for forty years. My wife, Carol Ann and I have two sons, Raymond and Kevin, a daughter-in-law, Suzanne and two amazing grandchildren, Luca and Caterina.
Community dedication has always been important to our family. I have been a volunteer fireman for the Glasco Fire Department for over forty years. I was a past Captain and now a current member of the Executive Committee. Additionally, I am a Director on the Ulster County Fair Board, and a Member of the Agricultural Society.
You may have seen or even taken a ride on our horse & wagon for Christmas In The Village of Saugerties for which we have donated for over twenty years now.
Additionally, I am a retired member of Laborers Local 17 Union which I was a member for over thirty years. I have OSHA and MSHA training, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Erosion & Sediment Control Training.
In closing, I have chosen to turn my expertise to the preservation and improvement of our town highways. I would like to put my experience as a successful businessman to work for the betterment of our town.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Legislator (District 1) — elect Gianfranco Pellegri
I’m Gianfranco Pellegri, a Bronx native and a first-generation American, born to two hardworking immigrant parents. I’ve been a resident of Ulster County for over 35 years. I’m a local real estate agent with more than 20 years of experience helping families find their homes. In addition to my real estate career, I spent 28 years working in my family’s Italian restaurant business, where I learned the values of dedication, consistency, customer service, and quality.
When I’m not serving clients in the real estate market, I enjoy cooking, working on home improvement projects, listening to music, and spending time with my two young boys fishing, riding bikes, and playing soccer. Whether it’s school programs or neighborhood festivals, I really value the strong sense of community here in Ulster County.
This is my first run for public office. While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to give back in an official capacity, I look forward to dedicating my time, energy, and experience to improving the lives of the people in this district. I feel very fortunate to have had a great upbringing and a wonderful family life, and I’m ready to give back to my community by applying some of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my life—lessons rooted in hard work, humility, and service. I have strong conservative values and believe in hard work, integrity, and honesty—and I place God and family at the center of my life.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Legislator (District 2) — elect Ron Polacco
Ron was born and raised in Ulster County and has dedicated his life to serving the community he calls home. Ron’s roots in Saugerties run deep. Whether it's the Riozzis or Polaccos, his family has called Saugerties home for generations. As our next Ulster County Legislator in District 2, Ron is committed to lowering taxes, supporting local small businesses, and restoring common-sense leadership to the legislature.
Ron served two terms as a Kingston City Councilman, where he earned a reputation as a principled leader who stood firmly against tax-hiking budgets, championed job creation, and advocated for Police, Firefighters, and all First Responders.
Ron is honored to have the endorsement of the Saugerties Conservative Party.
Candidate's photo album: click here
For Legislator (District 3) — re-elect Jason Kovacs
I am a lifelong resident of Ulster County. Since 2004, I have worked as an attorney in Ulster County. I work at a law firm in Kingston, where I’ve been for more than 20 years, focusing on real estate, trusts and estates, and municipal law. I am admitted to practice law in New York State and Pennsylvania.
It has been an honor to serve as your Ulster County Legislator for the past two years. I currently serve as Chairman of the Legislature's Committee on Laws, Rules, and Government Services. I have worked hard to bring real oversight and accountability to county government. We have tackled issues ranging from financial transparency to holding our agencies accountable. I’m especially proud of standing up for taxpayers and pushing for responsible spending that keeps Ulster County affordable, while protecting the quality of life that makes our area so special.
I am proud to serve as municipal attorney for two towns in the Mid-Hudson Valley. I continue to believe strongly in local solutions and local leadership.
Community involvement remains deeply important to me. I have served as a 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 proud to once again receive the endorsement of the Conservative Party. I look forward to continuing to work with our town and county candidates this fall to keep Ulster County moving in the right direction.
Candidate's photo album: click here