During their final meeting of 2025, the Kingston Common Council officially bid farewell to four lawmakers, marking a significant transition ahead of the new council session. This meeting, held earlier this week, celebrated the contributions of outgoing members as the council prepares for a new chapter beginning on January 6, 2026.
The council will welcome four new members alongside five returning incumbents, maintaining its Democratic majority. Reynolds Scott-Childress, who served as Majority Leader for a decade, will not be returning. Joining him in departure are Jeanne Edwards of Ward 4, Bryant Drew Andrews of Ward 7, and Steve Schabot of Ward 8, who served for 12 years.
Following the meeting, Common Council President Andrea Shaut expressed gratitude towards Scott-Childress, Edwards, Andrews, and Schabot for their dedicated service to the city. Their collective efforts over the years have shaped local policies and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the Kingston community.
As the council prepares for its new configuration, incoming members include Marissa Marvelli from Ward 3, Benjamin Falk from Ward 4, Teryl Mickens from Ward 5, and Ruth Katz from Ward 8. The incumbents returning to the council are Sara Pasti from Ward 1, Michael Tierney from Ward 2, Teryl Mickens from Ward 5, Bob Dennison from Ward 6, and Michele Hirsch from Ward 9.
Common Council members serve a two-year term, and although a recent change in state law will move most local elections to even years, it will not alter the timing of elections in Kingston. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities for the incoming council members as they prepare to address the needs of their constituents and continue the work of their predecessors.
The council’s next meeting will set the tone for the upcoming term, where new leadership dynamics will emerge and the priorities for Kingston will be established.
