Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein Appointed As Acting Commissioner Of NYS Office Of Temporary & Disability Assistance

Posted February 8, 2019

Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter To Assume Leadership of County Operations Starting Monday, February 11th

KINGSTON, N.Y. – “It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the great people of Ulster County,” said County Executive Michael P. Hein. “For over a decade, as our first County Executive, I have had the privilege of overseeing some of the most sweeping positive changes in our community’s history, profound governmental reforms, and a complete upward realignment of the trajectory of Ulster County’s future. In the process, I have had the opportunity to work with incredible people who share my passion for true public service. We now have the lowest County property taxes in a decade, the lowest unemployment rate in twenty years, and the strongest environmental reputation in New York State. Working together we have accomplished what many thought impossible: ensuring access to more services than ever before without increasing taxes. Our veterans are receiving the level of respect they so justly deserve; we are making an impact on critical challenges like generational poverty, community empowerment, and criminal justice reform; and we have regained public confidence by completing nearly $100 million in infrastructure projects – on-time and under budget. Collectively, we have truly changed our corner of the world for the better.”

“Governor Cuomo, who has proven himself to be the most effective and progressive voice in government, has now provided me with the truly humbling opportunity to serve the great people of New York State as the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, where I look forward to continuing my efforts to help those among us most in need,” continued County Executive Hein. “It is a responsibility that is very important to me personally, and I am looking forward to this momentous challenge. As a result, it is with the deepest respect for the 180,000 residents of Ulster County that I must now pass the torch and end my tenure as County Executive, effective Sunday, February 10th. I am thrilled to depart with no regrets, as I have truly felt blessed every day to serve as the Ulster County Executive, and to work with some of the finest people ever to work in government service.”

“As we look forward,” continued County Executive Hein, “I am confident that we have created a strong new foundation for my successors to build upon, and – thanks to our taxpayer protection funds – that we have virtually guaranteed continued property tax reductions for the families and businesses of Ulster County for the foreseeable future. I want to thank everyone who provided such incredible support over the years to myself and my family, as well as to my amazing colleagues who continue every day in their never-ending effort to reinvent County government to best serve its people. Thank you for the true honor you have provided me – I will hold it in my heart forever.”

“As I take on my new role in Governor Cuomo’s administration, I am thrilled that the reins of County government will now be taken up by my Chief of Staff Adele B. Reiter, whom I have designated to serve as Acting County Executive. Throughout my ten years in office, her deep knowledge of county government and her unwavering commitment to excellence have helped guide and shape the accomplishments that have distinguished this administration. I am confident that she and our team of dedicated public servants will continue to work day-in and day-out to serve the people of Ulster County with great distinction,” County Executive Hein concluded.

On Monday, February 11th Deputy County Executive Adele B. Reiter will take the oath of office in a private ceremony and assume the official duties of Acting County Executive.