Connect Ghent

Author: Catherine Barufaldi

  • Reflections on the Storm & the Value of Interdependence

    Reflections on the Storm & the Value of Interdependence

    If you live in or around Ghent, you know that a powerful storm tore through our area on the evening of July 2.  Though everyone was prepared to enjoy a long weekend of Independence Day celebrations, we were instead reminded of the value of interdependence.

    Over the past four days, our town’s elected officials demonstrated the spirit of Connect Ghent:  We are neighbors working together to do what’s best for Ghent.  Here are just a few examples of how our Board reached out across our community—

    1. Delivered dry ice and drinking water to vulnerable neighbors who lost power for days
    2. Cleared roads with their personal equipment (and muscle!) to allow passage of emergency vehicles
    3. Arranged an emergency propane delivery for an elderly couple who relies on their generator for a life-preserving medical device
    4. Monitored the generator at Town Hall to ensure the Ghent Food Pantry’s refrigerators and freezers maintained safe temperatures during the power outage
    5. Provided regular public updates on the recovery from the storm
    6. Checked in on dozens of residents who might need some extra support
    7. Coordinated with NYSEG to get power restored, including prioritizing our neighbors who are elderly or ill

    You may be surprised to read that Town Councilmembers earn only $3,895 per year.  The folks in these roles certainly aren’t doing it for the money—they are doing it for the love of our town and their care for our neighbors. 

    Our elected officials played a minor role in the overall recovery; the heavy lifting was done by Ghent’s most excellent Highway Department, our Volunteer Fire Companies, our partners in neighboring towns and villages, and many other public servants as well. This all happened on a holiday weekend, in a heatwave, without electricity or internet, and with messes to attend to at their own homes. 

    Connect Ghent is grateful to you all!

  • Letter to the Editor

    Screenshot of letter to the editor by Catherine Barufaldi, published in The Columbia Paper on May 7, 2026

    Visit The Columbia Paper here

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    To the Editor:

    Connect Ghent is proud to endorse Marie Meltz for Ghent Town Board in November’s special election.  A native of the Hudson Valley, Marie and her family have devoted themselves to the economic and social success of Columbia County for more than 30 years.  They have built a thriving business in Ghent, which continues to expand, currently employing 52 people.  We are excited that Marie is willing to give her time and talents to our local board. 

    Marie was appointed to the Ghent Town Board in December, when a board member resigned due to a family emergency.  In just a few months, Marie has stepped up to Co-Chair Ghent Community Day and act as the Board Liaison to the Chatham/Ghent Seniors.  She is also a member of the Columbia County Office for the Aging Advisory Council.  Whether it’s at Earth Day with a shovel in hand, helping install the ice rink, or working out budget considerations for Ghent Beautification, Marie shows up and does the work.

    In addition to being a great choice for the residents, we value the continuity of service Marie’s election will provide to the Board.  Following the appointment, the Town must hold this special election in November, but the winner will only serve through 2027, at which time the seat becomes open again. With this in mind, we encourage our neighbors on the Ghent Democratic Committee and the Ghent Republican Committee to join us in endorsing Marie Meltz.  A contested election for a one-year term will expend precious time and money that could be better spent elsewhere.

    At Connect Ghent, we believe that local governance should be nonpartisan.  It doesn’t matter to us which party you support on the national level – this is local, and it’s about people, not party.  We are neighbors working together to do what’s best for Ghent.  When you remove party from the equation, you select candidates based on the skills they bring and the work they will do.  It’s a very compelling approach – of the 13 candidates Connect Ghent has supported, 12 have been elected. As a result, the Town has seen unprecedented success in getting projects done, keeping the budget in line, and rebuilding community.   Find us online at connectghent.com to learn more, to join our efforts, or to bring our philosophy to your own community.

    Catherine Barufaldi

    Town of Ghent