Eric Stewart has lived in Ulster County since 2001 after purchasing his home in Accord in 1996.  He is a native of Albuquerque, NM, and grew up in Amarillo, TX. He is a former public relations professional and NYC public high school English teacher. He has a BA in journalism and public relations from Baylor University in Texas and an MA in secondary education and English from Hunter College in New York.  He is also a former small business owner who operated a landscaping company from his home for over fifteen years. He has been active in civic organizations, volunteer groups and local politics for many years. These include the Rondout Valley Business Association, Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, the Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission, the county Environmental Management Council, the O&W Rail Trail Committee, Riverkeeper, and the Rondout Creek Watershed Alliance. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Marbletown Town Board for last four years, promoting environmental protection, renewable energy, expanding trails & parks, and exploring ways to bring affordable housing to the area. He pledges to continue these efforts in Ulster County Legislature for District 18 (Marbletown & Hurley).  He is a licensed real estate professional, an avid gardener, a painter, and an aspiring novelist who lives in Accord with his husband, Dr. Michael Sheran, and their two dogs Maggie and Zelda.