Meet Amy

Small Business Owner. Artist. Community Builder.

Your County Legislator.

Amy Dooley in her studio with students.

Politics wasn't a career I planned—it was a way I always imagined giving back.

Even as an idealistic teenager, I believed that democracy only works when ordinary people step forward to participate. I didn't know exactly what that would look like, but I knew I wanted to spend my life helping build stronger communities.

My path to public service wasn't a straight line, and I'm grateful for that. Every chapter taught me something different about people, problem-solving, and what it takes to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

My Journey

I grew up on Long Island, where I built my first career as a massage therapist. In my mid-thirties, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: moving to Ulster County so my two daughters could grow up surrounded by family and their cousins, who were already here.

Soon after arriving, I became a Realtor, helping families put down roots in the community that had quickly become home to me.

When the housing market collapsed in 2008, I returned to massage therapy for several years. Like many people, I adapted, learned new skills, and found a new path forward during a difficult economy.

Then, in 2015, I decided it was time to pursue another lifelong passion. I went back to school to study photography and graphic design, hoping to build a career around the creative work I had always loved.

That decision opened doors I never expected.

Through design, photography, and community arts, I became deeply involved in local organizations, helped promote small businesses and events, and eventually co-founded Studio 89, a community pottery studio that has become one of my greatest joys.

A Lifetime of Community Involvement

I've called Ulster County home for more than two decades. My husband and I are both small business owners, and we understand firsthand the challenges families and entrepreneurs face as costs rise and our economy changes.

Over the years I've been proud to serve our community in many different ways, including:

  • Co-owner of Studio 89 in Highland

  • Founder and President of the Highland Open Studio Tour

  • Director of the Highland Business Association

  • Former board member of Roost Arts Hudson Valley

  • Co-founder of the New Paltz Democratic Women

  • Community volunteer and organizer

Those experiences taught me that the best ideas come from listening to people with different perspectives and finding practical solutions that move everyone forward.

Bringing Real-World Experience to County Government

Before serving in public office, I worked directly with people every day.

As a massage therapist, I learned the importance of listening.

As a Realtor, I helped families navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

As a small business owner, I experience the same rising costs, workforce challenges, and economic uncertainty that many residents face today.

Those experiences shape every decision I make as your County Legislator.

I don't approach problems as a career politician.

I approach them as someone who has lived them.

Why I Chose to Run

One of my core beliefs is simple:

If we want government to work, we all have to participate.

It's easy to complain about what's happening around us.

It's harder to step into the room, listen to people who don't always agree with you, and do the work of finding solutions.

When I decided to run for office, I wasn't looking for a title.

I was looking for a way to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Looking Ahead

During my first term I've focused on making county government more responsive, supporting local businesses, improving affordability, protecting our communities, and making sure residents know they have someone who listens.

There's still more work to do.

I'm running for re-election because I believe we build a stronger Ulster County when we work together—with respect, transparency, and a willingness to solve problems.

I would be honored to continue serving the people of District 9.