Auerbach, left, and Hein, now the Democrat-endorsed ticket

KINGSTON - Ulster County Democrats nominated the team of Michael Hein and Elliot Auerbach for the positions of county executive and comptroller during their yearly party convention Monday night.

Though the nomination of Hein, the current county administrator, came as no surprise since the dropout of fellow Democrat Susan Zimet last month, Auerbach, the current Ellenville village manager, had to defeat Ulster County Legislature Chairman David Donaldson first to get the party nomination.

After Ulster County Democratic Committee Chairman John Parete announced Auerbach as the winner, the village manager invited Hein to join him at the podium where he formally announced the Hein-Auerbach ticket for the county’s two newest top positions.

“I think what we’re seeing going forward, ladies and gentlemen, is the strongest ticket we can be put forth and knock the living heck out of the Republicans,” shouted an enthusiastic Auerbach.

Auerbach and Hein both acknowledged that now is the time for the party to come together and focus on the general election, but Donaldson decided that he may still primary, telling the crowd of several hundred people that he would think a possible primary challenge.

Hein said he is proud to be on the same line as the likes of Senator Barack Obama and Congressman Maurice Hinchey this fall, but insisted the election isn’t about him or the party. 

I consider it an honor, but that’s not the key thing.  This is about the future of Ulster County and taking care of the people of Ulster County and making it a better government.”

Hein will be facing Independence Party member Len Bernardo, who received the Republican nomination this past week, in the general election for county executive in November.  The position of county comptroller will pit Republican James Quigley against whichever Democrat is chosen by the potential primary.

By a unanimous vote, the committee endorsed Frank Skartados, a resident of Marlborough and a business owner in Poughkeepsie, as its candidate for the Assembly for the 100th District. Beacon resident Ron Ray is the other candidate for the post currently held by Republican Thomas Kirwan.