Hein addresses Ulster County Chamber of Commerce

KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Michael Hein touted his administration as being “extremely efficient and effective” as he spoke to the business community Tuesday, and he vowed to do everything in his power to keep the county moving forward while the State Senate continues to squabble.

Hein met with Ulster County Chamber of Commerce members in Kingston to give an update on county operations and finances, and discuss the county’s future.

Since being elected county executive, the first in Ulster County, Hein claims to have trimmed spending by nearly $1.4 million, renovated the Ulster County Office Building without bonds or increasing taxes, and helped to increase tourist traffic.

Hein cited economic development as a top priority.

He recently signed an executive order asking municipalities around the county to share information in the planning and review process for economic development, as a way to “streamline the development process.”  Hein said the order was critical to “downsize the amount of time it takes to approve and build a project, and enable Ulster County to compete globally.”

With $27 million in federal stimulus money, a portion going toward energy efficiency – Ulster County is only one of 12 counties in the state with that designation – Hein said he is fighting to move the county forward, despite what is going on, or not, in Albany these days.