Two Trustee seats are open. 

Voters will be asked to vote for TWO Trustee seats for 5-year terms July 1, 2023--June 30, 2028.

A brief introduction to each candidate who will be on the ballot is below:

Heather Neidert

My name is Heather Neidert, and I am a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. I grew up attending the Narrowsburg Central School district which merged into Sullivan West during my high school years. After graduating from Sullivan West, I attended Susquehanna University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with minors in both Mathematics and Psychology. After college, I returned home to Lake Huntington and began teaching at Tri-Valley Elementary School in Grahamsville, NY where I taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 8 years until having my own small children. Teaching young children to learn to read and write was such a rewarding experience. I now get to take my own 3 boys to programs at the same library that I grew up attending and help develop their love of reading just as mine was sparked as a young child!

Phyllis S. Haynes

I came to this area in late 1995 when I was called to be the pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Narrowsburg, NY. One of the major check marks for coming here was the library here in town within walking distance of the church and parsonage. I have always found a home in libraries because I love to read -- whether it's a book borrowed from the library or a book bought at a local bookstore. Once here I was thrilled to be able to volunteer at my local library. One huge bonus is that there are three libraries that make up the Western Sullivan Public Library, supporting each other and supporting their communities. Another fantastic aspect of this joint venture is the wide variety of programs and opportunities offered -- book clubs, computers, tech help, knitting club, children's programs, etc. I've taken advantage of some of the programs and opportunities over the years since I moved here. And I look forward to serving on the library board!

Eric de la Cova

Eric de la Cova is a sculptor and a retired construction project manager. During his career he specialized in architectural restoration, leading teams for long-term projects on some notable historic buildings in NYC and surrounding areas. He lives in North Branch NY and is an avid gardener, beekeeper and fly fisherman. He is also finding joy returning to his roots as a can-do carpenter, building sheds and fixing up a 100-year-old farmhouse.

Susan A. Bodenstein

My name is Susan Bodenstein and I would like to be considered a Candidate for Member of the Board of Trustees of the Western Sullivan Public Library. I have lived in Jeffersonville for most of my life, graduating from J-YCS in 1973. I worked at the First National Bank (now Jeff Bank) for 22 years then opened my own business “The Secret Garden”, closing it last December. In between I worked at the Farm Service Agency for the USDA and for the Sullivan County Democrat where I now write the “Jeff News”.

I was an EMT volunteering with the Jeffersonville Volunteer First Aid Corp. for 30+ years. During that time, I was a NYS Certified Instructor/Coordinator training volunteers within our Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps. and as a First Aid Instructor training within schools, homes, businesses, and other groups. I was Secretary/Treasurer for the Jeffersonville Fire District for 25+ years and have volunteered to work at all of their Annual Dinners since I was 14 years old.

Currently I am President of the JEMS (Jeffersonville Enhances More of Sullivan) beautification group – a wonderful bunch of volunteers working to make our area a special place. We just built a stage in the Villages Backyard Park and anticipate many events for the community to enjoy. We were responsible for the first and so far the only Hot Air Balloon Festival several years ago which was a big success.