After opening statements were given, candidates from the Democratic, Republican and People's parties were allowed one minute to answer questions that covered a range of topics that included how to increase volunteerism in local emergency services, taxes, flooding concerns for the Carlo Drive neighborhood, the continuing delays in repairing the Herbert Poppel Memorial Bridge and the coming of Wal-Mart.

The local insurgent campaign led by People's Party nominees Michael Walkerwicz, Angelo Dejesus and Woody Jones (not present at Monday's meeting) emphasized their interest in connecting to voters who had lost faith in the area's Democratic and Republican candidates.

Walkerwicz, the party's nominee for town supervisor, characterized the area's politics by saying, "For the last thirty years it's been nothing but fighting. And there are machines on either side that keep directing the agendas."

Town Democratic candidates James Dolaway and Theresa Hyatt pushed their experience working on the town board while town challenger Greg Wood, a former clergyman, discussed his training in conflict resolution and his background in real estate as assets in local government.

Town Republican candidates Ed Jennings, Georgine Matichuk and Terry Houck each discussed their records of public service with Jennings serving in the UC Legislature, Matichuk on the town planning board and Houck as a current town councilman. The group also expressed a willingness to research each issue that would come before them as board members.

The Democratic candidates for Ulster County's District 1 (T.J. Briggs, Leonard Distel, Mary Sheeley and Joe Stoeckeler), three of which are incumbents, touted their record of service and making the town of Rochester and Wawarsing a priority in the Kingston-centric legislature.

Briggs, the lone newcomer for the Democrats, pushed his record of community service and volunteerism as well as his time spent on Ellenville's board of trustees.

Republican candidates for Ulster County District 1 (Terry Bernardo, Sue Cummings and Susan Nibe) pushed an agenda marked by stopping tax hikes and the introduction of new taxes on county residents that they claim is punishing new residents and pushing long time residents out of the area.

Below are responses to just a few of the questions asked during Monday's meeting.

On Wal-Mart:

Every candidate expressed some level of support for the much-hyped redevelopment of the Napanoch Valley Mall on Route 209.

Dolaway: "As I understand it, the big obstacle now [for redeveloping the Napanoch Valley Mall] is the post office. After the election we are going to send out a petition and get Congressman [Maurice] Hinchey to help us get them moved and get that done."

DeJesus: "It's needed here. We need the jobs here."

Houck: "We can't wait for Joe Tso [the property's current owner]. We need to take the bull by the horns and proceed with the economic development officer."

Hyatt: "Yes, I am in favor and we need to make the road smooth for them if they want to come here."

Jennings: "I don't know why we're so locked in on Wal-Mart. I am in support of a store there [Napanoch Valley Mall] but it could be a Target or a K-Mart. I spoke with Joe Tso and he insisted that Wal-Mart would be here in three months. But I've heard that before.

Matichuk: "Absolutely. We need retail. The community is ready for this."

Walkerwicz: "Am I in favor of Wal-Mart? I've got five kids. They gotta [sic] work somewhere."

Wood: "Do I like Wal-Mart? No… But you have to play the cards you're dealt, not the cards you wish you were dealt. The benefits outweigh the negatives."

On the promise that the Herbert Poppel Bridge would already be under construction by this year's election:

T.J. Briggs was the first to answer the question and being a first time candidate for the Ulster County Legislator, answered. "Thank God I didn't make that promise."

Terry Bernardo explained that she was not one of those who made that promise during last year's election and then emphasized her experience in dealing with building and construction projects; most notably her and her husband's completion of the SkateTime 209 building located in the Town of Rochester.

Mary Sheeley explained that a title search has been commissioned on the property so that construction can begin on May 1 of next year when the New York State allows "stream work" to be done. Sheeley emphasized that the state's restrictions are making it so that the legislature isn't "losing any time" on the project.

Joe Stoeckeler raised the issue of government bureaucracy and the exploration of a historical designation as reasons why the process has dragged on for so many years. Stoeckeler also argued that some professionals involved on the county level, "should be fired," for their conduct regarding the situation.

At the end of the evening, several audience members were asked who was the most impressive candidate.

One local resident said, "I like Mike. He's straightforward and honest. I like that about him."

Another resident said that Sue Cummings has impressed him by, "always being out there for the people. You really get the sense that she cares."

In the end though, it seemed that the night's biggest winners were Ulster County Legislator candidate Terry Bernardo and Wawarsing council candidate Greg Wood. Each was mentioned several times by those in attendance.

On Bernardo: "I didn't know her before tonight but she seems very bright and she is very articulate…She seems to have a good business background, which I like."

On Wood: "I had never heard him speak before. He was very impressive... He seems to have a concern for and knowledge of the people."

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