Gardiner residents gathered at Full Circle last Sunday, October 26 for an important occasion: the town’s “meet the candidates” event, featuring five candidates vying for the town board. This meet-and-greet was courtesy of Mike Benevento, owner of Full Circle, and Jack Acree, the event’s organizer, who felt that residents should learn more about and engage with their local candidates prior to Election Day.

This year’s election includes the town supervisor’s seat and two town councilmember seats. Candidates Mike Hartner and Ryan Wiley are vying for town supervisor, and candidates Roberta Clements, Wolfe Scandinaro, and Alex Hogan are vying for town councilmember.

Here’s a breakdown of the five candidates:

Mike Hartner (D) is an 11-year resident, a retired NYS school superintendent, and a councilman who has served on the town board since 2023. He has an extensive background in education and administrative work, serving as vice principal of Kingston City School District, superintendent of Springs School District, education director of NYS Division of Youth, education supervisor and director of NYS Department of Corrections, and several other positions. Prior to joining the board, he spent several years on four town committees, including the environmental conservation commission.

Between his experiences in administrative work and Gardiner’s government operations, Hartner believes that he is more than qualified to take on the supervisor role. When envisioning Gardiner’s future, he seeks to maintain the town’s rural and small town vibe, preserving the area’s natural ecosystems while avoiding overdevelopment. His biggest goals include creating affordable housing opportunities for young and senior residents, augmenting economic activity with new businesses, and revamping the hamlet’s sewer system. To facilitate these ideas, Hartner wants to establish an economic development council and meet one-on-one with every town employee. Above all, Hartner asserted that a supervisor must deliver excellent services, treat everyone with respect, foster a positive work environment, and value their residents.

“The supervisor’s job is to focus on local issues that affect our daily lives, not to drag us into partisan battles. I’ll work with everyone: red, blue, purple, or plaid. What matters is that we work cooperatively, that we’re honest with each other, and that we be guided by the question: How will this – whatever it is that we’re talking about - benefit the people of Gardiner?” Hartner said. “That’s my commitment to you, and I’d be honored to have your vote. Please come talk to me about any questions, concerns or ideas you might have about how we can make Gardiner a better place.”

Ryan Wiley (I) is an 11-year town resident and newcomer looking to become Gardiner’s next supervisor. He originally grew up in Marlboro, then lived in New York City and several Hudson Valley towns, before moving to Gardiner in 2014. Wiley has led a colorful career over the years: he helped NYC Councilman Dan Garodnick with constituent outreach and resolutions, developed extracurricular activities for inner-city schools under the U.S. Department of Education, handled litigation tariffs and duties under the U.S. Department of Justice, created energy efficiency programs for utility companies, and restored historic homes with his wife. Currently, he and his wife are developing their own non-GMO farm and kitchen.

All of Wiley’s career experiences have given him a deep understanding of government operations, giving him the know-how needed to serve as supervisor. As stated in his party’s name, he wants to put “Gardiner First.” Some of his initiatives include preserving the town’s unique resources, attracting smaller businesses to the hamlet districts, and mitigating the tax burden on residents. He also wants to find new revenue sources for the town budget, such as funding recreational activities through naming rights and sponsorship campaigns. Wiley asserted that he is a problem solver, he is eager to collaborate with the board, and he will serve “with a neighborly spirit.”

“My campaign’s motivations are clear: I am committed to preserving Gardiner’s unique and special scenic resources and expanding conservation options for landowners. I aim to strategically attract investment from small businesses into our hamlet districts where viable,” Wiley said. “To alleviate tax pressure while still adding value to the town, I propose adding new revenue streams to the town’s operating budget through naming rights and sponsorship campaigns for existing public facilities. This funding would be specifically earmarked for enhancing public recreation and amenities for our residents, potentially becoming a revenue generator itself.”

Roberta Clements (D) is a 12-year Gardiner resident and an active volunteer in both the town and surrounding communities. She grew up in Staten Island and lived in a few different Ulster County towns before moving to Gardiner in 2013, though she first became involved with the town through the “Save the Ridge” campaign in 2000. Some of Clements’ outreach efforts include volunteer work for hospice and Sierra Club and contributions to the Town of Rosendale’s comprehensive plan. In Gardiner, she is a member of the environmental conservation commission and has pursued numerous initiatives. With Clements’ help, the town established a Climate Smart program, community preservation plan, large-scale solar law, natural resources inventory, and online mapping tool.

Clements seeks to increase her outreach efforts through the town board, living by the motto “leave things better than you found them.” Building off of her work in the ECC, she wants to pass legislation for wetland preservation, address the town’s water supply and wastewater issues, and consider the environmental impacts of business development. Other goals include supporting farmers, first responders, the town library, and the arts; maintaining fiscal responsibility and manageable taxes for residents; and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the town. Above all, Clements wants to bring “boring” back to town meetings and government processes, rather than add fuel to political drama. She asserted that all Gardiner residents love the town, giving everyone common ground to work together, resolve their issues, and achieve their desires.

“In Gardiner, we are a town of complete individuals, and it’s so fun and interesting meeting all the different personalities and people. Everyone has their own opinions, and we really dig in,” Clements said. “But I know anyone, and I would do the same, would go out and help someone in the street if their car broke down, or help their neighbor, and they would come and help me. And that’s what we need to get back to, not how different we are. We go inside our houses and we do live our own different lives, but when it comes down to it, we’re there for each other and that’s what we need to come back to.”

Wolfe Scandinaro (D) is a seven-year town resident with experience as a builder, business owner, and HVAC professional. Through his experiences with Vortex Heating & Cooling and Kalmen Construction, he has ample experience with environmental responsibility, land use, project management, and zoning. Within the town government, he is a member of the ZBA, a member of the Gardiner Housing Task Force, and an active participant in board meetings. Having experienced frustrations working with the current board, Scandinaro wants to step up and create positive change in the town as a council member.

When it comes to leadership, Scandinaro prioritizes “collaboration over conflict, facts over politics, and fairness for everyone.” He believes that everyone in the town can accomplish much more working together with open communication, rather than working independently behind closed doors. If elected, Scandinaro wants to support smaller businesses and farms, develop energy efficiency policies, strengthen zoning laws that protect farmland and open space, and improve infrastructure like roads and drainage.

Scandinaro asserted that he is willing to work with anyone on the town’s issues, regardless of political affiliation. He appreciates everyone in the town for being his neighbor, and he hopes to both represent and collaborate with them on the town board.

“Gardiner is a special place, not because of any one person, but because of all of us. My goal is to protect its rural character, preserve its beauty and peace, and make sure decisions are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the entire community,” Scandinaro said. “I’ll work with anyone who’s ready to solve problems, regardless of politics, and I’ll always do what’s best for all of our town’s residents. My fellow democratic candidates have my full support & endorsement.”

Alex Hogan (R) is a longtime Gardiner resident and business owner who seeks to make a difference through the town board. He has owned and operated an excavation company in Ulster County for over 20 years, giving him insight into community challenges and opportunities. Hogan adores living in Gardiner and considers the town an amazing place to raise his three daughters. He feels that serving his community through municipal government will help keep the town great for families old and new.

Hogan asserted that he is an outsider to local politics, making him a strong, unbiased candidate for the board. His leadership is built off of listening, collaboration, and respect, and he believes that decision-making should be based on research and multiple perspectives. Hogan’s goals on the board include balancing environmental preservation with smart economic growth, establishing transparent project approval processes, and ensuring that residents “feel valued and heard.” Regardless if he wins or not, Hogan appreciates everyone’s enthusiasm for Gardiner and he hopes residents give him a chance to serve them.

“Being a longtime resident of this area, while also having my family’s future invested here, gives me a unique ability to bridge the gap between lifelong residents and the many new families moving to Gardiner. I understand both perspectives and want to help ensure that everyone feels included in shaping our community’s direction,” Hogan said. “I’m also a team player and pride myself on being able to work well with anyone.”