KATZ FOR KINGSTON WARD 8

Ruth Katz has been a resident of Kingston’s 8th  Ward for eight years -- since 2017, first in the Rondout neighborhood and now in Ponckhockie.  Before that, she lived in NYC where she engaged with Hudson Valley farm and food businesses to connect them to NYC markets.

Experienced in non-profit leadership and management, she is innovative and collaborative with a track record of successful projects benefiting communities and family businesses, and fostering youth leadership.
 
Her past experience and accomplishments include:

• Government relations liaison – in collaboration with other organizations and businesses nationwide, met directly with U.S. Congressional staff to obtain better food and agriculture programs for urban and rural areas

• Successfully obtained numerous 6-figure grants that transformed into collaborative, strategic and impactful community programs

• Served as a high school teacher in the U.S. Peace Corps (Gabon, Central Africa);

• Worked locally, regionally, nationally and internationally on community development programs

• Completed a master’s degree in International Development and Social Change, (Clark University. Ruth's thesis exposed weaknesses in the modern Gabonese school system that contributed to food insecurity.)

 
In 2024 Ruth canvassed extensively for the Democrats; NYS Coordinated Campaign where she had the opportunity to speak with and listen to Kingstonians from diverse backgrounds and political persuasions. Encouraged by the level of civil dialogue and curiosity, she is eager to serve our community, and bring her experience and track record to serve the people of Ward 8.

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Ruth believes we need to address the inhumane and economically nonsensical  federal policies that harm us locally. Additionally, she appreciates Ward 8 residents who have been sharing their concerns and suggestions.  A sampling of their ideas that she would like to address includes:

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• Improve access to affordable housing -- and keep us in the loop in the early stages of development plans so we can contribute our ideas

• Provide incentives to bring to Ward 8 a full-service grocery store

• Work with the county to improve local bus service, with consideration for our elders; grocery shopping and other needs;

• Establish a year-round place where retired and other folks can gather;

• Address speeding and other traffic safety problems on specific Ward 8 streets;

• Prepare for climate change, flooding and storms, and properly steward the beautiful, natural resources of our ward;

• Bring us together to carefully review the pros and cons of Ponckhockie becoming a historic district so we can make a well-informed decision;

• Improve our local independent business climate, considering both the challenges and opportunities posed by big fairs, cruise ships, etc.;

• Spread the word so people can know how to help protect our immigrant neighbors;

• Launch a Get to Know Your Neighbor Day; and

• Provide timely and effective constituent services.