Longtime public servant Havranek retiring in May
KINGSTON, N.Y. » After nearly four decades in public service, Ulster County Attorney Bea Havranek is retiring.
County Executive Michael Hein announced Wednesday that Havranek will retire as of May 31. He has appointed Assistant Deputy County Executive Mark Longtoe to replace Havranek.
“My husband and I have reached a point in our lives where we are blessed to have the opportunity to spend more time with each other in retirement and more time with our entire wonderful family,” Havranek said in a press release. Havranek’s husband, William, recently retired from SP Industries, in Stone Ridge.
Although for the last nine years Havranek has served as county attorney, she began her career in public service in 1980, when she was elected Rosendale town councilwoman. The following year, she was elected town supervisor.
After serving as town supervisor for 14 years, Havranek served as minority counsel to the Ulster County Legislature, first assistant county attorney, deputy county executive. She was appointed as the county’s first female county attorney in 2009, succeeding Joshua Kaplan.
She was instrumental in both the creation and implementation of the Ulster County Charter and Administrative Code, helping to usher in the new charter form of government. She has advised the county executive and legislature on a variety of issues, and her office was responsible for the prosecution and defense of all civil actions brought by or against the county, as well as the prosecution of juveniles in Ulster County Family Court.
“We have tackled complex issues, reshaped an entire government to better serve the people and I know we are positioned to accomplish so much more,” she said.
Hein called Havranek a friend and “an incredible voice for democracy and all the residents of Ulster County.
“Her knowledge and wisdom have helped improve decision making that has transformed county government,” Hein said. “Her insightful work on the Charter and Administrative Code will positively impact future generations, even though many may never fully realize just how important her tireless contributions have been.”
Havranek said that while she is retiring, she intends to “remain engaged as a proud Democrat.”
Longtoe is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He has served as Ulster County assistant district attorney, Ulster County public defender, a private attorney and assistant deputy county executive.