Patricia R. Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman Ruth Boyer has been approved to serve as Ulster County public defender. The county Legislature October 20, voted 21 to 1 to confirm her appointment. The lone dissenting vote was cast by Republican Legislator Mary Beth Maio, who criticized Boyer's support for bail reform laws, which Maio called dangerous. "While Miss Boyer may have a qualifying resume, her very clear answer to supporting bail reform, unfortunately, makes me unable to support her appointment," Maio said. Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan nominated Boyer for the post in September after lawmakers rejected his first choice, Lauren Sheeley, saying she was unqualified for the post. Boyer is a graduate of CUNY Law School. She served for 10 years as a senior public defender for the Dutchess County Public Defender's Office and for more than four years in the Ulster County Public Defender's Office before transitioning to private practice specializing in criminal defense and Family Court. Most recently, Boyer was the principal law clerk for state Supreme Court Justice Christopher Cahill. Boyer succeeds Andrew Kossover, who was dismissed in February amid allegations of mismanagement and failing to submit requests for state reimbursement totaling nearly $2.5 million. Kossover has filed a notice of claim indicating his intention to sue Ryan and the county over his firing. Read more in the Daily Freeman.