2025 Elections & Candidates

Ulster, NY – The Town of Ulster Democratic Committee today announced its slate of candidates for the 2025 election. The "Our Town of Ulster" slate includes Laura Hartmann and Alex Smith for Town Council, and Amy Ingram for Town Justice. These local leaders are running on a platform focused on fostering transparency, community engagement, and improving the quality of life for all residents. While the Committee is still seeking a candidate for Town Supervisor, this marks the largest slate of local candidates in recent memory.

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Laura Hartmann, Candidate for Town Council
With over 30 years in the music industry, Laura Hartmann is a passionate advocate for the arts and her community. She has worked to promote music, manage jazz musicians, and produce global tours. In 2018, Laura founded TownOfUlsterCitizens.org to fight a proposed power plant, leading efforts to pass a resolution preventing polluting businesses in the town. As Town Council candidate, she is committed to transparency, community involvement, and revitalizing key local projects like Tech City (now iPark87) and the mall.

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"Local government is where we can make the biggest impact on our daily lives, and I am committed to serving my community with the same passion I’ve dedicated to the arts and advocacy work," said Laura Hartmann. "I believe in fostering a town where every voice is heard and where transparency, engagement, and innovation are the cornerstones of our government."

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Alex Smith, Candidate for Town Council
A dedicated family peer advocate with Family of Woodstock, Alex Smith has spent 13 years in the Town of Ulster. Her background in human services and nonprofit work provides her with a unique perspective on addressing the challenges facing local families. As a mother of two, Alex is committed to ensuring the voices of Ulster residents are heard, particularly in adolescent services and mental health.

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"Over the years, I have seen the challenges the town has faced, and I believe it is time for change," said Alex Smith. "I have worked in non-profit sectors for the last six years, and through that work, I have been deeply involved in supporting families and individuals. I know firsthand how much our local community is struggling, and I am determined to help address these needs.”

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Amy Ingram, Candidate for Town Justice
Amy Ingram is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in law and public policy. She holds degrees from Tulane University, Duquesne University, and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, with an LLM from the University of Alabama. Amy has represented clients through critical moments in their lives and is committed to bringing fairness, transparency, and respect to the judicial process. She has been admitted to the New York State Bar since 2010 and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar since 2015.

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“While being a lawyer is a necessary qualification for this role, it is the ability to listen, consider both sides, and make a reasoned, fair decision that truly matters,” said Amy Ingram. “I have spent my career helping people navigate complex situations, and I am committed to applying this same care and consideration as Town Justice. No one enjoys standing before a judge, and it is important that the experience is handled with respect, understanding, and within the bounds of the law.”​

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The Town of Ulster, located north of Kingston, NY, covers 28 square miles and includes over 12,500 residents from a dozen hamlets and neighborhoods.

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For more information about the candidates or to get involved, please contact the Town of Ulster Democratic Committee Secretary Edie Pugliese at ediepugliese@gmail.com, or (845) 706-0517.