 We thought this would be a local story. We were aiming for the front pages of the Poughkeepsie Journal and the Times-Field Record, right? That was our audience. Jason West was the lead organizer and efficient behind the New Paltz weddings. Now he works for the city of Albany, New York, but 20 years ago he was the mayor of New Paltz, newly elected, 26 years old, and looking to make a mark.