MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting three of the four declared Democratic candidates for the office of Ulster County executive appeared Feb. 10, at a public forum hosted by the Ulster County Democratic Committee. Marc Rider, a current deputy county executive, and former 19th Congressional District primary candidates Pat Ryan and Patrice Strong appeared before a packed room at Kingston City Hall to answer questions. The fourth candidate, Jeff Moran, a former Woodstock town supervisor, did not participate. At the forum, Rider, Ryan and Strong all agreed on basic issues, differing slightly on details on how certain problems should be addressed. Topics discussed included the fate of the former county jail building, taxes, jobs, constituent services, local transportation, diversity, the environment, immigration, restorative justice and PILOT programs. Michael Hein officially stepped down as executive Feb. 8, and a special election must now take place within 90 days, or no later than May 21st. The county Democratic Committee will choose one candidate at their annual nominating convention Feb. 20; the Republicans will make their pick on Feb. 23. The winner of the special election will serve through Dec. 31, the end of Hein's term. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.