Village of Walden Mayor John Ramos is seeking to be re-elected for a second term.

Ramos, who ran for mayor originally in 2021, is hoping to stick with Walden a while longer to finish important projects and continue the positive progression of the village. He’s running against Gerald Mishk Jr., former trustee and judge.

Ramos was born in the City of Newburgh but soon after relocated to Plattekill, graduating from Wallkill Senior High School and enlisting in the Air Force at only 17 years old. After this he worked at the Castle Point VA Medical Center and became a town cop in various local counties. In 1986, he started working for the NYS Police as a state trooper, later retiring as a criminal investigator in 2008. Around 2010, Ramos worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and later on at the CDM Smith Engineering Firm. He also retired from the air force in 2010.

Ramos explained he’s “energetic” to be running again.
“We have a few things to finish up,” said Ramos, after talking about uncompleted projects he feels passionate about finishing. This includes paving the parking lot at James Olley Community Park, the home of the brand new Anita L. Vandermark Community Center. He’d also like to continue the enhancements in that area, including finishing the kitchen in the community center and adding some more to the park itself.

“We would like to make it a world-class facility,” Ramos mentioned.

Ramos also wants to pay special attention to local businesses in the area after a few local ones have closed or moved.

In May 2014 Ramos started his first official position within town government as a planning board member. He served on the planning board until October 15, when he became a village trustee. Ramos remained as trustee in 2016 and again in 2018 (both two-year terms) after successful elections.

When Ramos originally ran in 2021 for the position as mayor, he remained unopposed. This year, he faces competition from Mishk.

“Obviously there’s competition, but I feel that based upon what I’ve done, and the person that I am, it’s what the Village of Walden people want,” Ramos stated.

Ramos is also running alongside a team of three trustees including Firefighter Captain Kristie Hall, Army Veteran Ralph Garrison and Gap Executive Chris Baston. “This team is a youthful team,” said Ramos when describing the three trustee candidates, “They’re not here for political gains, they want to see the Village of Walden progress.”

Ramos is also proud to represent Walden.

“Our school district has a 98% graduation rate. It’s great to see the successes of students,” Ramos mentioned. He also believes the local businesses still afloat are flourishing and wants to continue to help them.

On top of local government, Ramos is a member of the Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program, the Orange County Associations of Towns, Villages, and Cities, a mentor for ProVetus, and a third degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council.

When he isn’t in office, Ramos can be found hiking, biking or running. He’s a village resident, husband to Catherine Ramos, and father to 31-year-old Victoria, Gabrielle, who is 26, eleventh grader Andrew and eighth grader Isabella.

It’s important to note that Ramos doesn’t intend to run after this two-year term.

“This will probably be my last,” said Ramos, who believes in term limits so other people have a chance to run. “I’d like to see another person take the reins.”

There are 3 trustee positions and the mayor position eligible for election this March. The election will take place Tuesday, March 21 at the village’s municipal building on the third floor.