Legislator John Parete is a proud business owner and community servant. He is a co-owner, with his wife Barbara, of the Boiceville Inn located on Route 28. For over forty years, this family owned and operated restaurant has been the meeting place and the celebration location for generations of families. Whether over a beer or a burger, Legislator Parete has listened to and been responsive to conce
rns of the community. His ear for issues, albeit a little worn but still strong, has led his visions for improving Ulster County. He presented his vision for the Ulster County Legislature of “building consensus and not partisanship”.
“I think we should try not to make issues out of little things. Important issues require thoughtfulness and compromise. We must try to remember that people with different political views are friends, neighbors and colleagues. We share interests and goals that keep our differences in perspective. We must look forward. Our function is to look ahead as best we can while reflecting on the past.”
Legislator Parete's vast knowledge has developed over decades of community service. He previously served as the Ulster County Auditor, Director of Purchasing and Insurance, an Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency Board of Directors Member, Chairman of the Legislature, the Ulster County Democratic Chairman and the Democratic Commissioner for the Ulster County Board of Elections. He joined his sons, Robert and Richard, as a Legislator when the Legislature moved to single member districts and serves his constituents of Denning, Hardenburgh, Olive and Shandaken. As an appointee of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Chairman Parete sits on the Olympic Regional Development Authority Board of Directors.