Town of Highland Supervisor John Pizzolato spoke with Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett as part of the station’s Local Election Series, discussing his bid for reelection, community projects, and efforts to improve transparency in local government.

During the conversation, Pizzolato reflected on his first term and what he hopes to build on if reelected.
 “We’ve secured over $700,000 in grant funds so far,” he said. “But I really want to actualize everything we started for the community.”

He also discussed ongoing town initiatives, including infrastructure improvements and updates to Highland’s comprehensive plan, noting the importance of community input and collaboration.

Pizzolato addressed recent discussions around accountability and the need for open communication between local officials and residents. “Our meetings are standing-room only now,” he said. “People are engaged, and that makes us stronger.”

Civil rights attorney Michael Sussman is running for Orange County Executive, challenging incumbent Steve Neuhaus, who has held the position since 2013.

Sussman, a Goshen-based lawyer with more than four decades of legal experience, said in an interview with Radio Catskill that Orange County needs “new leadership, more transparency, and a government that puts people before politics.”

During the interview, Sussman outlined several priorities if elected, including ending what he described as “pay-to-play” politics, establishing an independent county comptroller, and redirecting the county’s Industrial Development Agency to focus on small business growth and affordable housing.

He also discussed issues related to agriculture, local transportation, and environmental cleanup, citing concerns about flooding along the Wallkill River and unremediated toxic waste sites.

On the subject of large warehouse projects, Sussman criticized the county’s economic-development policies, saying he would oppose tax incentives for corporations that don’t provide union jobs or fair wages.

Drawing on his background as a civil-rights attorney, Sussman said he would emphasize public participation and inclusion in county government.

Sussman acknowledged that he has not served in county government but argued that his experience outside of it provides a different perspective on how local institutions operate.

The 2025 Orange County Executive election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who has served in the position since 2014, is seeking another term in office. He spoke with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo about his record, current projects, and plans for the county’s future.

Neuhaus pointed to fiscal stability and open space preservation as key accomplishments during his tenure. “We’ve lowered the county tax rate nine years in a row and preserved thousands of acres of open space,” he said. He also noted infrastructure and cultural investments, including upgrades to county parks, redevelopment of the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, and plans to convert a former high school in Chester into a high-tech training hub.

Discussing development and transportation, Neuhaus said local zoning decisions remain central to balancing growth with community character. He also highlighted new transit initiatives, such as GoGo Grandparent, a ride service that connects seniors and veterans to medical appointments and errands.

Neuhaus said he hopes to continue building on ongoing projects and partnerships in a new term. “I believe we have much more work to do,” he told Radio Catskill.

As the November election approaches, the Ulster County Board of Elections is urging residents to get informed, get registered, and get out to vote. Commissioners Ashley Torres and John Quigley spoke with Radio Catskill to share key dates, changes to polling locations, and what goes on behind the scenes to make Election Day run smoothly.

A Busy Season for Local Democracy

With more than 144,000 registered voters across Ulster County, election season is a hectic time for the Board’s 14-person staff.

“We’re issuing absentee and vote-by-mail ballots, testing voting machines, training over 650 election inspectors, and making sure everything is ready for Election Day,” Torres said. “It’s a lot of moving parts, but the goal is simple — a fair, smooth, and accessible election.”

Key Dates to Remember

• October 25: Early voting begins — and it’s also “Golden Day,” the last day to register to vote for this election.
• October 25–November 3: Early voting continues. Most days are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with late hours noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30.
• November 4: Election Day — polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Early voting sites are open to any voter in the county, regardless of where they live. Sites include:

• Olive: American Legion in Shokan
• Kingston: Midtown Neighborhood Center on Broadway
• Ellenville: Ellenville Public Library
• New Paltz: New Paltz Community Center
• Highland: New location — Highland American Legion (formerly Marlboro Community Center)
• Saugerties: Saugerties Senior Center at the Cantine Field Complex

Visit VoteUlster.com
for details and updates.

Behind the Ballots

Quigley says a “successful election day” means every polling site opens on time and every voter has a positive experience.

“New York has one of the longest election days in the country — 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” he said. “We make sure poll sites are ready for anything, from power outages to a hot day where inspectors need water. By 10:30 or 11 p.m., we usually have 99% of results reported.”

Unlike online voting systems, results in Ulster County are physically transported on secured USB drives — not sent digitally — to ensure integrity. Early and absentee ballots are typically the first results reported after 9 p.m.

Counting Every Vote

Even after Election Day, the counting isn’t over. Torres emphasized that all valid mail-in and affidavit ballots are included, even if the race isn’t close.

“We process ballots postmarked by Election Day and affidavit ballots starting November 10,” she explained. “If there’s a tight race, we conduct an automatic hand count. We can recount every ballot in Ulster County in about five to seven days.”

The Board invites the public to observe these counts. “It’s an open process — transparent from start to finish,” Torres added.

A Right That’s Never Denied

Quigley reminded voters that in New York, no one can be denied the right to vote.

“If you ever feel you’re being turned away, you can always request an affidavit ballot,” he said. “We’ll verify and resolve it afterward. Your voice will still be heard.”

For More Information

Visit VoteUlster.com
to:

• Register to vote
• Find early voting sites and hours
• Track your absentee ballot
• View sample ballots

Early voting begins Saturday, October 25, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Make your plan, know your site, and make your vote count.