KINGSTON – Taylor Brooke looks back on the day she became acting Ulster County Clerk in August with bittersweet feelings.
At just 34 years old, Brooke replaced his mentor, Nina Post-Tupac, who is an Ulster County legend. Less than two months later, Postupak passed away at the age of 67 after a two-year battle with cancer.
“It was more bitter than sweet,” said Brooke, a Democrat. “Nina’s death was very heartbreaking. We had prayed that we would have a little more time with Nina, but we were a little overwhelmed. Nina was an ideal public servant and we are very grateful to her for following us. I’m honored to be able to do this.”
In some counties, ambitious politicians use the county clerk position as a springboard to other elected offices. But like Pospac and Al Spada before her, Brooke hopes to build a career as Ulster County Clerk.
Spada, Brooke’s great-uncle, served as Ulster County Clerk from 1967 to 2006. Pospack follows in Spada’s footsteps and her retirement marks the end of her 45-year career as a public servant in Ulster County. Mr. Brooke began his career in Ulster County as County Clerk in October 2016 after taking the civil service exam and was promoted to Deputy County Clerk for Records Management in December 2022.
Pospac has begun preparations to succeed Brooke, who plans to run in the November 2025 election. He has already received support from Rep. Pat Ryan, Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. Brooke is a Kingston native and his family’s roots in Kingston date back to the 1890s. He also serves as the City of Kingston Historian.
Mr. Brooke’s transition to acting county clerk has been seamless, including “Passport Night” at City Hall, participating in “Mobile Government” with other county departments, extending his hours at the DMV, and educating the elderly. I look forward to further developing Pospack’s efforts, including presentations for the future. Services available to them.
“It would mean a lot to me to be able to finish my career as county clerk,” Brook said. “I have no other career ambitions, and I didn’t get into this job to gain power. That’s what I’m passionate about and I look forward to working hard and continuing to do that for a long time.”
