Tracey A. Bartels was re-elected as chair of the Ulster County Legislature at the annual organizational meeting.
Bartels, an eight-term legislator who represents Gardiner and Shawangunk, was chosen for the top leadership position for the third time in her fifteen-year tenure in the Ulster County Legislature.
In 2019, Bartels became the first woman from the Democratic caucus to serve as the chair of the Ulster County Legislature and only the second woman to lead in the body’s 55-year history. She is also the first chair who is not enrolled in a political party.
Bartels was nominated to the chair position by Legislator Abe Uchitelle (District. 5–City of Kingston) and seconded by Legislator Gina Hansut (District. 10–Towns of Lloyd and Marlborough).
Democratic Majority Leader Jonathan R. Heppner (District. 23–Towns of Woodstock and Hurley) said, “Chair Tracey Bartels has been an incredibly impactful leader for all of Ulster County. She has continued to ensure that the Legislature is moving forward and getting the work done on behalf of our shared constituents. I look forward to our body’s continued progress under her leadership.”
Legislator Uchitelle states, “It’s an honor to support Legislator Tracey Bartels continuing to serve as our chair moving forward into the second year of our term. The projects we have embarked upon in the prior year are critical, and through Chair Bartels’ commitment to measured progress, I know that under her leadership, we will see many of them across the finish line in the year ahead.”
Legislator Gina Hansut states, “As a member of the Republican Caucus, I am proud to support Tracey Bartels as Chair. Chair Bartels has always been willing to listen to all sides of a discussion. I come from a family deeply dedicated to public service, so I understand that when you make a difference, bipartisanship isn’t an option; it is a requirement.” Legislator Hansut adds, “I am excited to begin another productive term and look forward to working with Chair Bartels and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”
“I am honored to continue to lead the Ulster County Legislature and deeply appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” states Chair Bartels. “As I have often said, the chair is a seat among equals. It is an incredible honor to be selected to lead Ulster’s most diverse and professionally accomplished legislative body.”