Village Elections March 18 Fleischmanns Seats Contested

FLEISCHMANNS - Village elections will take place on March 18 where multiple seats are on the ballot in Fleischmanns and Margaretville.

Fleischmanns

Fleischmanns Mayor Samuel Gil is running for a second two-year term contested by Gloria Zola-Mulloy who is running a write-in campaign. 

In deciding to run again, Gil said, "The Village of Fleischmanns could do much better and two years is not enough time."

During his first term, Gil was pleased to report several accomplishments - the village and code enforcement offices were relocated to a larger space by volunteers, clean up of the highway department garage, tennis courts, and much of the village parking lot, restoration of guardrails on Lake Street and Old Halcott Road, and Armstrong Park Road and portions of Ellsworth Avenue were paved.

If elected, Gil hopes to continue guardrail restoration along Lake Street and Armstrong Park, complete oil and stone of Wagner Avenue, repair drainage ditches and storm drains, and tackle parking concerns. During the summer months influx of visitation has caused parking concerns. "I'm working with DEP (State Department of Transportation) to allow us to use some of their land within the village owned properties," said Gil, "In exchange we will maintain their land (by landscaping)."

In conclusion, Gil said, "These are only some of the projects that we need to work on for the future."

“As someone who believes in having a choice, I am adding my name as a candidate for Fleischmanns Mayor,” said Zola-Mulloy. When she first moved to Fleischmanns over 20 years ago, Zola-Mulloy said there were many vacant buildings in the village. “My partner and I soon got to work to help property owners receive grants for rehabilitation of at least a dozen homes.” The couple has purchased and renovated several properties along Main Street which they still manage, she explained.

“As a former licensed clinical social worker, I know how to listen to and work with voters, professionals, and visitors alike to ensure that Fleischmanns will become an even better village in the coming two years,” said Zola-Mulloy.

Two trustee seats are on the ballot this year. Trustees Miguel Martinez-Riddle and Stewart Cohen are both seeking re-election. Local business owner Harold Kuhn will contest the seats. Cohen did not respond to several emails. Residents can vote at the Skene Memorial Library.

The following are responses from Candidate & Incumbent Miguel Martinez-Riddle:

What made you run for election?

As a village trustee I look through a fair and balanced lens, with a strong regard for the local residential community and encouragement for the amazing businesses on Main St and Rt. 28, as well as new ones to come. I was asked to run by Mator Gil, and re-appointed after resigning by Mayor Gil, who I respect tremendously and support.

What are you most proud of having accomplished as trustee?

I’m proud of my work to bring the Town, County, and Railroad together to try to fix a failing culvert that serves us all. I have represented Mayor Gil  many times at meetings for important village initiatives. I have never missed a board meeting. I have worked to prepare the village asset the Maxbuilt theater for sale so that we can fund village resources like the pool and infrastructure repairs. I assisted our Code Enforcement Officer when he became disabled. I am a member of the tennis committee and support local pickleball league play.

What makes you a good candidate?

As someone who is more conservative than many of my liberal friends, and more liberal than my conservative friends, I’m proud of my ability to speak to everyone, and relish my role as ambassador for our amazing village. Go Fleischmanns!

Martinez-Riddle has served on the Middletown Board of Assessors, village zoning board, Middletown Historical Society Collections Committee, and the Catskill Recreation Center Executive Committee. He is currently employed as a SUNY Studio Art faculty and serves as a New York State Code Enforcement Officer.  

The following are responses from Candidate Harold Kuhn:

What made you run for election?

I’m running for Village Trustee because I love Fleischmanns and want to see it thrive. Over the past year, I’ve worked hard to bring new energy to the village—whether through organizing events like Trick-or-Treat Main Street and the Fleischmanns Holiday Extravaganza, revitalizing a long-shuttered storefront, or collaborating with neighbors to bring life back into the village. Fleischmanns has so much potential, but we need leadership that listens, takes action, and brings people together. I’m stepping up because I believe in this village and want to help shape a future that works for everyone.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

If elected, my top priority will be making Fleischmanns a more connected, thriving, and welcoming place. That means fostering community events, and ensuring the village government is transparent and responsive to residents’ concerns. I also want to focus on smart, sustainable growth—preserving what makes Fleischmanns special while creating new opportunities.  Most importantly, I want to bring a fresh perspective to the Village Board, working collaboratively to solve problems and build a stronger community.

What makes you a good candidate?

I’m not just invested in Fleischmanns—I’m all in. As a business owner, event organizer, and engaged community member, I’ve already been working to make this village a better place. I bring creativity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. I understand the challenges we face, but I also see the opportunities ahead. I’m committed to working hard, making thoughtful decisions, and ensuring that Fleischmanns remains a place where people want to live and visit.

Margaretville

There are two trustee positions on the March ballot. Incumbents Iris Mead and Sarah Hubbell are both seeking re-election unopposed. Trustee Mead did not respond to emails by press time.

Trustee Sarah Hubbell, seeking re-election as Margaretville Village trustee.

Trustee Hubbell has served the village for six years. "I first ran to be more active in the community and I felt the board needed to have some younger viewpoints and representation," said Hubbell. If elected, Hubbell plans to continue efforts for a new water tank for the water system and seek infrastructure funding to upgrade the water distribution system. "This year we will also be celebrating the 150th of the incorporation of the village," she announced.