Ken Stephens
Candidate for Ulster County Legislator, District 21
Includes the Town of Rochester and part of the Town of Wawarsing
“Property taxes are the worst kind of wealth tax; they burden low-and middle income homeowners disproportionately and are just too high for many residents. Funding for public education and vital services is too important to rest on such a shaky foundation. Change will take time, but we must start now.”
About Ken
Ken is an attorney and longtime Ulster County resident. As a lawyer, volunteer, and community organizer, he has supported working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Ken volunteers on the Town Zoning Board of Appeals and Housing Advisory Board and previously served on the County’s Human Rights Commission. He has fought discrimination in all forms, supported marriage equality, and advocated for expanded access to health care.
Ken and his wife have lived in Accord for 40 years, and their daughters are proud graduates of Rondout Valley High School. Prior to law school Ken worked at Family and local non-profit organizations.
Ken’s Priorities
Property Tax Reform
Property taxes hit income homeowners particularly hard when they already struggle to pay for a mortgage, insurance, utilities, energy, etc. When the only personal wealth government taxes is a home, many homeowners pay a higher share of their income than should be necessary. This system needs an overhaul!
Affordability for Basic Necessities
The county cannot solve all the myriad problems that have led to the increase in housing and food insecurity, rising energy prices, transportation, and health care. But we must do what we can, where we can, using our limited resources creatively and intelligently.
Balance Community Preservation and the Need for More Housing
The beauty and quality of life in our county attract both seasonal visitors and new residents, many with more disposable income than those who have lived here longer. This adds vibrancy to our communities and creates new opportunities. But left unchecked it poses threats of overdevelopment and housing inflation.
Provide Oversight of Incentives Offered to Businesses
The county should offer tax incentives or other benefits designed to attract or retain private businesses in only the most compelling situations. When the county offers help, we should share in the success of those who prosper here and protect public investments from enterprises that fail to deliver on their promises.
“As Dr. King said, the ‘arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. But it bends towards justice only when people push and pull in that direction. We must fight attacks on democracy with energy and integrity, for our families, and for all our neighbors.”
Ken Stephens is endorsed by:
Democratic Party | Working Families Party | Ulster County Democratic Women