UNITED DEMOCRATS NOMINATE THEIR TOWN CANDIDATES

Saugerties Democrats convened their caucus at the Senior Center on Market Street on Monday night to officially nominate their slate of town candidates for the November 3rd election and to express overwhelming approval of the current board and the teamwork, collaboration and respect that have characterized its successful approach to governing. Greg Helsmoortel, who is not enrolled in any political party, was tapped for his 6th term as Supervisor. Jamie Fine, a Democrat, and Bruce Leighton, an Independence Party member, were selected for the two town board slots. All three were elected unanimously. All three have also received the endorsement of the Working Families Party.

Helsmoortel, a lifelong resident of Saugerties, is widely respected for his decency, nonpartisanship and long-standing commitment to the community, and he brings a solid track record of accomplishments to his candidacy for re-election. As a tenacious watchdog over the town’s finances, Greg has made it a priority to keep taxes low and to obtain millions of dollars in grant money. He has been the driving force behind the work with regional planners and county government to explore the possibility of green high tech economic development and open space preservation on the Winston Farm, an effort that has garnered tremendous support in Saugerties. He was also instrumental in providing a home for our town’s library during its construction phase by having the Town Hall warehouse remodeled into a beautiful energy-efficient space. This remodeling was paid for by the library, and the work was done by town employees-- yet another example of the spirit of community cooperation that is the hallmark of Greg and the board.

Leighton, also a lifelong resident of Saugerties, has a B.S. in Marketing & Economics. He is the owner of two successful businesses in town—Leighton’s Water Treatment and Hudson Valley Spring Water Company, and the town has benefited from his professional expertise and tremendous work ethic. Bruce served 4 terms on the Village board and was elected to the town board in 2005. In addition to his responsibilities with the Town’s Water & Waste Water Department, Bruce serves as the board’s liaison to Diaz Ambulance, the Boys & Girls Club, the Justice Court and the Assessment Review Committee. As a member of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and the Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce, he is a strong proponent of promoting economic development while steadfastly preserving our town’s cultural, historic and environment heritage.

Fine has been a resident of Saugerties for nearly two decades and brings an impressive background in business management and communications to her first run for elected office. Jamie received her B.S. in Labor Studies from SUNY, Empire State College Center for Labor Studies and spent her professional career as an executive in Human Resources Management at major companies. As a community volunteer, Jamie is a dynamo, and she is respected for her integrity and tireless service to many Saugerties organizations. In 2004, she spearheaded the successful Secret Gardens of Saugerties tours and has served as its organizer and marketer ever since. Not only has this become a highly anticipated annual tourist attraction, but it has raised significant money for the Saugerties Historical Society and the Saugerties Boys & Girls Club.

In the spirit of bi-partisanship and in recognition of jobs well done, the Democratic caucus also cross-endorsed Republicans Lisa Stanley for Town Clerk, Dan Lamb for Town Justice, Peg Nau for Receiver of Taxes, and Bernie Ellsworth for Superintendent of Highways.


Before adjourning the caucus, Mike Harkavy, chair of the Saugerties Democratic Committee, gave a moving tribute to Nancy Campbell for her extraordinary work on the town board. Nancy, whose term expires at the end of the year, is not seeking reelection. She received a prolonged standing ovation, a bouquet of roses, and heartfelt appreciation for her service.