Patricia Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman the next Ulster County executive will be chosen as part of the November 8 general election, not at a special election in December as had been originally anticipated. Elections officials initially believed there would have to be a special election in December to fill the seat, but officials said on Sept. 13 that the county administrative code requires that the election be held on the same day as the general. The code states: “If said vacancy may be filled by a general election to be held no more than 180 days after the vacancy occurs, then no special election shall be held, and the vacancy shall be filled by a general election.” Ulster County Republican Elections Commissioner John Quigley said that holding the election for county executive at the same time as the general election will save taxpayers approximately $300,000. Former executive Pat Ryan resigned on September 9 after winning election to the 19th Congressional District seat. He was sworn into Congress on Sept. 13. Quigley said political parties have until September 19 to file nominating certificates designating their candidates for the election. Democrats will hold a nominating convention on September 17, to select their candidate. Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher, former state Senator Jen Metzger and Deputy County Executive Marc Rider have all said they will seek the nomination. Quigley said the Republican Committee’s executive board will select a candidate if someone interested comes forward. The Conservative and Working Families Party must also nominate a candidate by September 19; independent nominating petitions must be filed no later than September 23. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.