Overview of the Upcoming Kingston Common Council Elections
This year, voters in Kingston, New York, will have the opportunity to elect new representatives for Wards 3, 4, and 7, while also reelecting incumbents in Wards 1 and 5. All these positions are held by Democrats, with several races being uncontested. The candidates running for office bring a variety of backgrounds and priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of their respective communities.
Ward 1: Incumbent Sara Pasti
Sara Pasti is seeking re-election for her second two-year term on the Kingston Common Council. With a background as a non-profit arts and community development consultant, she has previously served on the Beacon City Council from 2008 to 2013. Pasti holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in fine arts from Rutgers University.
Pasti is focused on making Kingston a safe and affordable place for all residents. She emphasizes constituent services and connecting residents with city agencies. On public safety, she supports the city’s safe streets program, including traffic-calming measures such as signage, painted lines, and corner bump-outs. She also plans to improve sidewalks and install them where they don’t exist.
In terms of housing, Pasti pledges to support the upgrade of existing housing and the development of new affordable housing options, particularly through projects involving non-profits and government agencies that offer subsidies.
Ward 3: Marissa Marvelli
Marissa Marvelli, a historic preservation consultant, is running for the Ward 3 seat. She is a political newcomer and has lived in Kingston for 11 years. Marvelli graduated from Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem and holds a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture from UNC Greensboro and a master’s degree in historic preservation from Columbia University.
Marvelli aims to build a stronger bridge between City Hall and the public, emphasizing the need for more inclusive government. She believes that too much power is concentrated in the Mayor’s office and advocates for charter reform. On housing, she supports the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and promotes locally-owned housing development.
She also focuses on safer, more equitable intermodal streets to ensure that those without cars have a voice in city planning.
Ward 4: Benjamin Falk
Benjamin Falk, a construction project manager, is running for the Ward 4 seat. He has lived in Kingston for four years and holds a bachelor’s degree from Hope College. Falk is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive neighborhood. His top priority is affordable housing, and he plans to advocate for policies supporting affordable housing development and tenant protections.
On public safety, Falk emphasizes mental health services, community engagement, and youth programs. He supports community policing initiatives and increased funding for preventative programs and crisis response teams. Falk also wants to foster inclusive growth by supporting local small businesses and investing in infrastructure.
Ward 5: Teryl Mickens
Teryl Mickens is seeking re-election for her second term on the Kingston Common Council. A historic tax credit consultant and grant writer, she has lived in Kingston for 21 years and in Ulster County for 30 years. Mickens has served on various boards and committees, including the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Kingston Comprehensive Plan Board.
Mickens’ priorities include preserving and growing the city’s cultural, economic, and environmental diversity. She emphasizes the need for robust community and government partnerships. Taxes are her top concern, and she advocates for attracting private businesses to support local rent levels. Mickens also supports affordable homeownership opportunities and a revolving loan fund for home improvement projects.
Ward 7: Michael Ham
Michael Ham, a business representative for the International Union Operating Engineers Local 825, is running for the Ward 7 seat. He has lived in Kingston for 40 years and is the chair of the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency’s board. Ham has served four terms on the board and is committed to economic development initiatives that bring good-paying jobs and housing opportunities to residents.
Ham’s top priorities include addressing housing, aging infrastructure, and residential traffic concerns. He believes in working together as a board to achieve constituent concerns and make Kingston the best place to live now and into the future.
Election Details
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4. Early voting will begin on Saturday, October 25, and run through Sunday, November 2. Voters are encouraged to participate in this important process to shape the future of their community.
