A full house and a full debate in New Paltz: Gotto vs. Rogers on consolidation
Yesterday’s candidate forum for the New Paltz Democratic Committee was a powerful reminder of how deeply engaged this community can be. Held at the Denizen Theatre, the event was sold out more than a week in advance, and the packed auditorium was buzzing with anticipation, curiosity, and sharp questions. At the heart of the evening was a clear flashpoint: the future of local governance. Should the Town and Village of New Paltz consolidate into a single government? Or remain separate, distinct entities?
This issue sparked the clearest contrast between the two Democratic candidates for Town Supervisor: incumbent Amanda Gotto and Village Mayor Tim Rogers.
Rogers made consolidation the centerpiece of his campaign. Drawing from his ten years as mayor, he argued with conviction that a unified government would reduce bureaucratic redundancies and streamline service delivery. He pointed to the endless tangle of inter-municipal agreements and legal wrangling just to coordinate basic services—but could only highlight somewhat minor examples of inefficiency such as parade planning or flower planting. “We should have one board making decisions,” Rogers said. “We don’t need village attorneys, town attorneys, county attorneys all sorting out who waters Main Street.”
Gotto, in contrast, held firm in her belief that New Paltz benefits from having two governments. She acknowledged shared services already in place, but stressed that the village and town have different needs—particularly in housing density, infrastructure, and tenant protections. Gotto praised the village’s early leadership on tenant rights and affordable housing, while warning that those gains might be diluted if governance were merged. “There are places where there are unique needs that are specific to the village or the town,” she said. “And I think it is a good idea to have a governing body that is paying attention to those.”
The candidates also differed on the preferred path forward. While Rogers spoke to the practical benefits of a consolidated government and the potential cost savings, Gotto emphasized democratic process—supporting the current plan that gives all town residents a vote on the matter in 2026. She was critical of earlier moves toward dissolution that would have excluded many from the decision.
This wasn’t just an academic debate. The candidates made clear that the consolidation issue reflects deeper values: efficiency versus representation, simplification versus specificity, and a shared vision versus differentiated needs.
Meanwhile, A Civil but Competitive Race for County Legislator
In the second half of the forum, the tone shifted but the stakes remained high as candidates Stana Weisburd and William ‘Bill’ Murray took the stage to compete for the Ulster County Legislator seat for District 20.
Weisburd, a nurse and village trustee, projected a progressive and systems-focused vision. She spoke forcefully on issues like healthcare access, affordable housing, and economic equity, proposing county-backed green jobs and stronger tenant protections. Her perspective was shaped by her caregiving background and her work across village commissions, emphasizing her desire to tackle “systemic harm.”
Murray, a fellow trustee and longtime arts advocate, drew from his technical and community service experience. He highlighted his work on the county planning board and stressed a practical, infrastructure-first approach to governance. His signature example? A fire sprinkler ordinance he championed after responding to a tragic fatal fire—underscoring his commitment to public safety and housing quality.
Both candidates offered nuanced answers on county budgeting and legislative priorities. Murray emphasized doing “more with less,” drawing on years of producing arts projects on shoestring budgets. Weisburd, meanwhile, highlighted her attentiveness to legislative sessions and existing relationships with sitting legislators—positioning herself as a collaborator ready to hit the ground running.
The Takeaway
The forum showcased New Paltz democracy at its finest: informed, passionate, and deeply invested. Residents came not just to listen, but to participate—and the candidates responded in kind, offering clear distinctions in both style and substance.
Given the fact that whoever wins the Democratic Primary is also likely to win at the General Election, the issue of how we govern an who represents us makes this year’s Democratic primary much more important than normal— a referendum on the kind of community New Paltz wants to be . With early voting starting soon, the debate continues—not just on the stage, but across porches, farm markets and checkout lines throughout town.