Legislator Richard Gerentine is a veteran member of the Ulster County Legislature, serving since 1992. A former Legislative Chairman, Richard is a strong authority on all matters County. His thorough knowledge of federal, state, and municipal regulatory and policy issues coupled with his commitment to problem-solving and communication have enabled him to successfully foster relationships and build coalitions with individuals from a diverse constituency. As Chairman of the Ulster County Ways and Means Committee, and later as Legislature Chairman overseeing a budget over $350 million, Richard brings focus and energy to all that he undertakes.

His other legislature committee positions included Majority Leader, member of the Union Negotiations Committee, Chairman of the General Services Committee, member of the Human Services Committee and Chairman of the Ulster County Records Advisory Board where he was responsible for overseeing the establishment of a record management program under the jurisdiction of the Ulster County Clerk.

Prior to his Legislative service, Richard served one four year term as a Town of Marlborough Councilman and one four year term as the Town Supervisor. While a member of town government, he sought to lower taxes through innovative budget reductions.

As General Partner of Marlborough Associates, LP, Richard began the development of senior citizen housing complexes. His first project, a 44-unit complex became known as Jenny’s Garden I, followed by the addition of a second 22-unit complex, Jenny’s Garden II in Marlborough. He later developed a 51-unit complex, Golden View Housing for the town of Highland’s senior community. According to the Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO) that provides property management for the Jenny Garden complexes, Richard’s developments offer much needed affordable senior housing, both attractive and comfortable, designed for community members whose income is 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI).

Richard finds time to participate in community activities as a member of the Knights of Columbus, UNICO, St. Rocco’s Society and as a past coach for Marlborough Youth Baseball and Basketball. In another volunteer position, Richard has served as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority since 2006 and voted by it’s members as Vice Chairman in 2011 and Chairman in 2013. He majored in Business Administration at SUNY Ulster beginning in 1972, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Marist College in 1975.