Democrats pick new elections commissioner

Ashley Dittus has been nominated to succeed Vic Work, who stepped down last month.

Ashley Dittus, the deputy Democratic elections commissioner for Ulster County, has been nominated to be the next commissioner.

The county Democratic Committee tapped Dittus on Thursday to succeed Vic Work, who stepped down earlier this month.

The selection is subject to confirmation by the county Legislature.

“We were pleased we had someone within the elections office we could turn to,” county Democratic Chairman Frank Cardinale said Friday. “She knows the job inside and out. She is a very capable individual.”

Dittus also is secretary of the Democratic Committee secretary.

Work, who had been the Democratic elections commissioner since 2010, stepped down from the post on July 14, citing medical issues and the retirement of his wife, Mary, as Ulster County Surrogate’s Court judge Mary.

“Vic Work retired, and well deserved,” Cardinale said. “He put a lot of years into politics and particularly the Board of Elections. He did an incredible job, worked tirelessly every day, and we will be eternally grateful for his service.”

Thomas Turco is the county Republican elections commissioner.

“Our children’s future will be irreparably harmed if we fail to care for our natural resources, acknowledge that climate change is real and do something productive to address and reduce further damage.”