Peter Criswell is a dedicated public servant currently serving in his third term as an Ulster County Legislator for District 7 in the City of Kingston. With a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community well-being, Peter has proven himself as a leader through his various roles and responsibilities.

In his legislative capacity, Peter has demonstrated his commitment to effective governance by actively participating in various committees:

• Chair, American Rescue Plan Act Special Committee
• Deputy Chair, Public Health & Social Services
• Member, Ways & Means
• Member, Audit Committee
• Member, Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Arts, and Agriculture Committee
• Member, Energy & Environment
• Member, Legislative Programs, Education, and Community Services

Peter has also contributed to subcommittees and task forces, including:

• Ulster County Behavioral Health Task Force
• Ulster County Food Security Working Group
• Ulster & Delaware Trail Rail Advisory Committee
• Climate Smart Communities Committee
• City of Kingston Public Safety Strategic Action Plan Advisory Council

As Chair of Legislature’s Special Committee on the American Rescue Plan Act, Peter was given the responsibility of leading the Legislature’s distribution of $34 million in ARPA funds. His meticulous approach included the creation of a comprehensive matrix of criteria and collaboration with the committee members to garner unanimous bipartisan support for each project. 

In his role as Vice Chair of the Legislature, Peter promoted several key priorities, including fostering a productive and respectful meeting environment, encouraging robust debate, streamlining processes, and promoting transparency. He continues to emphasize those principals in his new role as Chair of the Legislature and encourages effective communication with legislators, the county executive, and local officials while supporting initiatives like grant procurement and fundraising strategies, and cost-cutting through county-wide shared services.

Peter's expertise extends beyond legislative duties. With a background as a nonprofit Executive Director, he honed his skills in strategic planning, budgeting, audit preparation, program delivery, and community relations. As Board President of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association, he provided strategic leadership, fostering collaboration among board members and administration.

A committed supporter of the Arts, Peter has served as Board Treasurer for Key of Q, the Hudson Valley’s LGBTQ and Allied Acapella Singers, and Vice Chair of the City of Kingston’s Arts Commission. In the County Legislature he staunchly advocates for continued funding for the arts, and successfully shepherded in a proposal for the development of an Ulster County Arts & Culture Master Plan to further prioritize and maximize access to the arts in the county and support arts and culture organizations.

Looking ahead, Peter identifies critical priorities for the upcoming legislative session. These include addressing the housing crisis, strengthening mental health services, supporting the local economy and workforce development, supporting environmental protections, exploring waste removal options, partnering in the development of the Government Operation Center while adhering to the approved budget, developing the comprehensive infrastructure capital plan, and using the forthcoming salary study for informed decision-making.

With a collaborative, community-oriented, and bipartisan approach, Peter Criswell is committed to making a positive impact on Ulster County through effective governance and a focus on the well-being of its residents.

Born in Bethlehem, PA Peter first encountered the Hudson Valley while attending Bard College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Subsequently he lived in Seattle, Philadelphia, and New York City, earned his Master of Science in Leadership and Strategic Management from Manhattanville College, and worked around the globe in education and nonprofit management roles. But the draw of the Catskills has been a constant for him and he decided to put down roots in Kingston, the place he now calls home.