FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2008
Contact: Ginny Apuzzo at (845)430-4794

ULSTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES TO SPEAK
AT HUDSON VALLEY LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER

KINGSTON, NEW YORK (Oct. 8) – The race to become Ulster County's first elected Executive will add one more historic first on Monday, October 13, when the two major candidates vying for the office will speak at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center.

Democratic nominee Mike Hein and registered Independent Len Bernardo, who has been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties, will both speak to Center members and guests at a Candidates' Night at the Center's Uptown Kingston building, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Each man is expected to speak about how he views the new office of County Executive, and to take questions from members of the local LGBTQ community.

"We are gratified that both Len Bernardo and Mike Hein have recognized the importance of the LGBTQ constituency, and that they are willing to come speak to their constituents as well as listen to their concerns," said Center President Ginny Apuzzo. "This marks yet another significant step in the history of the LGBTQ community in Ulster County and the greater Hudson Valley."

In 2006, Ulster voters approved a change in the County Charter that created an office of County Executive, similar to a form of government already familiar to residents of such other Hudson Valley counties as Dutchess and Orange. Hein, who currently serves as County Administrator, and Bernardo, a businessman, are the two major candidates bidding to become the first Ulster County Executive.

The meeting will be held at the Center's building at 300 Wall Street in Uptown Kingston, and is open to the public.

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* LGBTQ refers to the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of the people the Center serves: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning individuals.