Tracey Bartels is a 26-year resident of Gardiner and seven-term county legislator who previously served as the UC Legislature’s chair. She was only the second woman in history to serve in that role and the first from the Democratic Caucus. Tracey was first elected to represent Gardiner, Shawangunk and New Paltz in 2003 and served for four years. After a two-term hiatus, Tracey returned to the legislature in 2012 under the newly organized single-member districts, proudly representing all of Gardiner and two districts in Shawangunk.
During her tenure in the legislature, Tracey has fought for transparency and open government. She is an environmental advocate. Tracey is the author and sponsor of Ulster County’s Bring your Own Bag Act which led New York State in banning the use of thin film plastic bags. The law went into effect July 15, 2019 and effectively removed millions of plastic bags from Ulster County’s waste stream. Tracey also co-sponsored and authored the resolution to end the use of polystyrene foam in take out containers, protecting both the environment and public health. Tracey was a prime sponsor of legislation that required new county construction be built to a LEED silver standard, the Neighbor Notification Law regarding pesticide application, the Sustainable Energy Loan Program, and the county’s Green Fleet Policy.
Long known as a fiscal watchdog, Tracey pays close attention to county expenditures and, together with the County Executive and Legislature, has delivered a balanced budget to Ulster County taxpayers since her return. She also chaired the committee that investigated the cost overruns at the County Law Enforcement facility and recommended policy to prevent a recurrence.
Tracey continues to work on environmental issues, including the long term solution to solid waste management in the county. She is focused on delivering a balanced budget and legislative priorities and policies that address our changing needs as a community, including economic development, affordable housing, broadband expansion, expanded access to recreation, implementation of criminal justice reform, and addressing mental health needs and issues of addiction.
Tracey graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Film and Television Production. She is a member of the Writer’s Guild East and is an award-winning filmmaker. In addition to her work in the arts, she has worked in the fields of medical education and marketing. Today she assists her family with their businesses in Ulster and Orange counties.
Tracey is seeking re-election to continue to advocate for Gardiner and Shawangunk. It has been her great honor to serve her community.
Some of Tracey Bartels’ Accomplishments
- Voted against ALL tax increases
- Established a Green Fleet Policy for the County
- Expanded SUNY Ulster to improve access to higher education
- Voted for the successful adoption of the Human Rights Protection Act
- Increased funding for infrastructure, creating safer roads and bridges
- Led the State with the Bring Your Own Bag Act (which was adopted state-wide)
- Created the Neighbor Notification Law and fought the policy of suspicion-less warrant checks
- Led a bipartisan investigation into cost overruns at the County Jail
- Expanded the County’s trail network and advocated for improved trail maintenance
- Expanded Ulster County’s public transportation system
- Improved our County Veterans’ Cemetary, ensuring dignity to those who served