Plattekill voters will choose between Democratic Supervisor Michael Lembo, who is seeking another term, and Republican challenger Dwight Dougherty in the race for town supervisor.
Michael Lembo (Democrat)
Lembo will appear on Row A of the ballot.
A lifelong Plattekill resident, Lembo served as deputy supervisor in the mid-1990s and sat on the recycling and master plan committees. He was a founder and volunteer of the Plattekill Day committee, a 10-year member of the Plattekill Planning Board and a charter member of the Southern Ulster Rotary Club in the 1990s.
Lembo said he wants to continue as supervisor “because I care about the future of Plattekill and the well-being of all of its residents.”
“I believe in responsible leadership, transparent government, sound fiscal policies and listening and addressing the concerns of our community,” he said.
He identified controlling property taxes, attracting and supporting local businesses, and planning to preserve the town’s character and quality of life as the main issues facing the town.
“As Town Supervisor, I am a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, carefully managing the town budget, controlling spending, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency without sacrificing essential services,” Lembo said. “We must also continue to attract new businesses that are appropriate for Plattekill while supporting the businesses already here. Thoughtful economic development can create jobs, expand our tax base, and provide residents with more goods and services.”
Lembo said he would work with the Town Board, Planning Board, residents and local businesses to develop a long-term vision for the town. That would include updating zoning codes to balance development with the town’s character, protect open space and natural resources, improve infrastructure and support local businesses.
He said he would prioritize essential services, seek grants and other outside funding whenever possible and explore sharing services with neighboring municipalities to reduce costs.
“Every tax dollar should be spent wisely, and residents deserve a transparent budget and a clear explanation of how their money is being used,” he said. “I will continue to make responsible investments in roads, drainage, public safety, parks, and other critical infrastructure. By planning ahead and addressing problems before they become more expensive, we can protect our residents and avoid unnecessary future costs.”
“Good government starts with listening and earning your trust,” he said.
Dwight Dougherty
(Republican, Conservative)
Dougherty will appear on the Republican and Conservative lines.
Also a lifelong Plattekill resident, Dougherty said he is running to “bring full-time hands-on leadership focused on fiscal responsibility, supporting our employees and volunteers, while keeping Plattekill a strong community.”
He was elected a Modena Fire District commissioner and appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. He has worked for the town’s Highway and Buildings and Grounds departments for more than 16 years and negotiated the Highway Department’s union contract.
Dougherty said the town needs to “return to following the adopted budget,” which he called important for controlling spending and taxes. He said planning, zoning and orderly growth will protect Plattekill’s rural character.
If elected, Dougherty said he would:
• Meet regularly with department heads to review the budget, set clear priorities and hold departments accountable for staying within it.
• Increase transparency and consistency in planning and zoning reviews.
• Prioritize practical, budget-conscious maintenance of town buildings and grounds.
Voting information
Early voting for the 2026 general election runs from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Anyone registered to vote in Ulster County may vote at any early voting site in the county.
Early voting is available at the Marlborough Community Center, 1520 Route 9W. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 24-26, Oct. 28 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1, and noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Oct. 29.
On Election Day, polls across New York are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters must cast ballots at their assigned polling place. Plattekill has four:
• Modena Firehouse (Districts 1, 3)
• Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall (Districts 2 and 6)
• Plattekill Firehouse (District 4)
• Clintondale Firehouse (District 5)