Ryan Santistevan is reporting for the Poughkeepsie Journal Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan September 20, announced he has nominated attorney Ruth Boyer to serve as the county's next public defender. Boyer served as an assistant and senior assistant public defender in Ulster and Dutchess counties for nearly 15 years. Since May 2019, she has served as principal law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Hon. Christopher Cahill. Her appointment is subject to a vote by the Ulster County Legislature. "Ruth's career has been dedicated to serving those most in need," Ryan said in a statement. "She has successfully defended some of our most vulnerable residents in criminal and family court and she will come into this role with tremendous respect from our legal community." The Ulster County Bar Association rated Boyer as "highly qualified" for the position. She is a graduate of the City University of New York Law school. Ryan's first choice to fill the position, Lauren Shelley, was rejected by county lawmakers in July. Opponents said the nominee lacked the requisite expertise in criminal law. Read the full story in the Poughkeepsie Journal.