Stephen Hunter - Orange County Legislator

12/05/2026

On May 16-17 (THIS WEEKEND!), OCLT is hosting a Vintage and Artisan Market at Angry Orchard Cider House.

The free event will feature live music and 40 high-quality vendors, all in a beautiful orchard setting. Shop antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, and collectibles; hats, handbags, and accessories; pottery, wood, leather, and hand forged items; fine art and natural skincare; rock tees and records; candles and crystals; gardening items; gourmet provisions; and much more!

Relax in the sunshine with a cold cider, grab some orchard bites and a latte from the Angry Orchard and Upstate Coffee trucks, and support local businesses and OCLT’s conservation efforts!

Vintage & Artisan Market at Angry Orchard

10/05/2026

I was interviewed by Blaise Gomez from News 12. We discussed the Gas Tax Cap Legislation that failed to pass in session last week because every Republican voted NO.

“I was elected to work for the people of Orange County and to make their lives better. I will continue to fight for my constituents and to bring forward legislation that will provide relief from the affordability crisis.”

09/05/2026

GOSHEN – Acknowledging that Orange County, the region, state, and nation are in a housing crisis, the county legislature Thursday voted to hire a consultant t

08/05/2026

Legislator Matt Fascaldi brought this forward and did the work to ensure that we passed this important legislation. Thank you Matt.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Today I was interviewed by Blaise Gomez from News 12. We discussed the Gas Tax Cap Legislation that failed to pass in session last week because every Republican voted NO.

“I was elected to work for the people of Orange County and to make their lives better. I will continue to fight for my constituents and to bring forward legislation that will provide relief from the affordability crisis.”

CLICK on the link to watch the on air news story / interview

OCNY Democratic Caucus

Supporters say the county now stands to bring in more than $3.5 million in additional gas tax revenue this year as residents continue struggling with rising fuel costs.

06/05/2026

PROTEST ERUPTS OVER COUNCIL SEAT
By KIT MOORE - Mid Hudson Times

More than 50 people gathered in front of Newburgh Town Hall on Saturday to demand the reinstatement
of Mary Lou Carolan to the Town Council, days after Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio informed her she was
being removed from her seat and replaced by Paul Ruggiero. The dispute stems from the November 2025 Town Council election, in which Carolan defeated incumbent Ruggiero by two votes. A recount confirmed her margin of victory, but Ruggiero filed suit seeking to invalidate several ballots that had been challenged during the recount and ultimately counted.
Carolan was sworn in as a council member in January while the litigation was ongoing. In March, a judge ruled that several of the previously counted ballots were invalid, making Ruggiero the winner by a single vote. Carolan’s legal counsel appealed that ruling on
April 1, with a hearing date set for May 8. The parties returned to court April 13 to finalize the judge’s orders. Carolan remained in her council seat for that evening’s council meeting, as her appeal was still pending and the judge had yet to issue a final order
installing Ruggiero. On April 21, the judge filed an order declaring Ruggiero the winner, but specified that it would take effect “immediately following the decision” of the Appellate Court affirming the revised vote tally. Piaquadio informed Carolan of her removal on April 27, before that appellate ruling has been issued.

Rally Draws Officials, Questions of Legality

Protesters at Saturday’s rally argued that Piaquadio’s move was premature and potentially unlawful given the pending appeal. Karen Mills, a volunteer with the Town of Newburgh Democratic Committee, said the judge’s own order suggested the transition should wait. “A judge ruled that everything needed to stay the way it was until the final ruling was
made,” she said. “We want everything to be done legally, and wait until the final ruling comes.”
Several elected officials and candidates attended the rally in support of Carolan, including City of
Newburgh Councilmember Ramona Monteverde, Orange County Legislator Stephen Hunter, Dutchess County Legislator Lisa Kaul and Stephen Krasner, a candidate for Newburgh Town Supervisor.
Carolan, who spoke at the rally, framed the moment as larger than her own seat. “It’s an opportunity for people to show that their votes matter, and their voices matter,” she said, “and people are not happy with the state of things right now.”
Ruggiero dismissed the controversy, saying the court proceedings had effectively resolved the matter in his
favor. “The judge basically granted me as the winner, they certified the election with me as the winner,” he
said, “so that would be actually the next step.”

Appeal Deadline Looms Before Next Council Vote

The timeline leaves little margin before the Town Council is scheduled to meet again. Carolan’s appeal is set to be heard May 8, and the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 — meaning the appellate decision is expected to come down before the council convenes to vote.

05/05/2026

Orange County Legislature Fails to Pass Gas Sales Tax Cap

Update: Orange County lawmakers reject gas tax cap
Orange County lawmakers rejected a proposal Tuesday that would have capped the county’s sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel.

Nine legislators voted in favor of it, while eight legislators against the motion. Four legislators — Michael Amo, Mike Essig, Genesis Ramos and John Revella — were not present.

The proposal would have capped Orange County’s 3.75% sales tax on motor fuel and diesel at the first $3 per gallon. The measure needed 11 yes votes to pass.

The vote comes as fuel prices have risen nationwide following the escalation of the war in Iran. Nearby Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties have all approved similar gas tax caps in recent months.

Orange County Legislator Stephen Hunter, who introduced the resolution, said the proposal was a fiscally responsible way to provide relief for residents and local businesses.

“High gas prices are the inflation engine of our economy,” Hunter said during the April 28 special session. “They don’t just hit you at the pump. They hit you at the grocery store, the pharmacy, the local coffee spot, basically everywhere you shop.”

State Senator James Skoufis, whose district includes nearly all of Orange County, criticized the legislature’s vote in a statement, saying New Yorkers are already paying above the national average for gas.

“My constituents are struggling to keep bills paid, food on the table, and gas in the tank,” Skoufis said. “It’s preposterous to have a pathway to ease some of that pain and not take it.”

The legislature had previously advanced the measure during an April 22 Rules, Enactments, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting.

But opponents raised concerns that the cap could reduce revenue for smaller towns and villages.

“If you’re cutting revenue to municipalities… that adds up,” said Orange County Republican Caucus Leader and Legislator Paul Ruszkiewicz. “That means fewer services, maybe cut programs, and I think our constituents could potentially take a harder hit on that end.”

05/05/2026

Every Orange County Republican legislator voted down a gas sales tax cap already adopted in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Ulster. Here's what it means.

02/05/2026

I’m so proud of our community. Today we showed up to protest the illegal removal of Mary Lou Carolan from office. DEMOCRACY and the RULE OF LAW are being challenged right here in Newburgh. Justice for Mary Lou!!!

01/05/2026

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Town of Newburgh Recreation Department - Chadwick Lake Park