Statement from the Chair of the Legislature

For Immediate Release
September 18, 2025

Statement from the Chair of the Legislature

Recent reporting by the Daily Freeman has created confusion about our Legislative memorial process that requires clarification.

Each month, the Ulster County Legislature concludes our session by honoring individuals who have passed away, with particular focus on Ulster County residents who contributed to our community through public service. We also honor significant state, national, or international leaders when appropriate. These names appear on our official meeting agenda.

Following the reading of official memorial names, individual legislators have the longstanding right to add additional names. This procedural freedom has never been restricted.
During our recent session, three legislators exercised this right, adding names that reflected different perspectives on recent tragic events.

The Daily Freeman’s headline incorrectly suggested that the Legislative body was officially memorializing Charlie Kirk, when his name was actually added by an individual legislator during the open portion of our memorial process, not included on our official memorial list.

While we respect each legislator’s right to use this time as they see fit, we want to ensure the public understands the distinction between the official memorial list as appears on the meeting agenda, and names added by individual members during our proceedings.

As Chair of the Ulster County Legislature, I want to emphasize that we remain committed to conducting our memorial process with the dignity and respect that honoring the deceased deserves, while preserving each Legislator’s procedural rights.