Dutchess County Democratic Committee

Democrats in the Dutchess County Legislature may fight the proposed tuition hike for Dutchess Community College students, Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said.

The proposed college budget calls for a $100 annual tuition hike, or $50 per semester, for full-time students - the fifth proposed increase in five years. It also requests a $5 per credit hour increase for part-time students.

Tuition for full-time, in-state students is $2,800 per year, and it could go up to $2,900 per year, said W. John Dunn, dean of administration and treasurer. Tuition for part-time students is $115 per credit hour, which could go up to $120, he said.

“Democrats have for years been fighting for no tuition increases,” Higgins said. “The board of trustees is very much aware of our position. We have to have a caucus to talk about it. I expect the Democrats will want to continue in that philosophy.”

Poughkeepsie Journal • June 22, 2008

Volunteers Needed!

Vote for Change at the Hudson Valley Father’s Day Parade & Festival (Voter Registration Drive)
Saturday, June 14th~10:00am~5:00pm~Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie, NY
Sign-up to volunteer: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gwr

Vote for Change at the The Strawberry Festival (Voter Registration Drive)
Sunday, June 15th~12:00pm-5:00pm~Riverfront Park, Beacon, NY
Sign-up to volunteer: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vql

Vote for Change at the Millbrook Farmer’s Market (Voter Registration Drive)
Saturday, June 28th~9:00am-1:00pm~Front St., Millbrook, NY
Sign-up to volunteer: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vqt

Vote for Change at the 13th Annual Latin American Festival (Voter Registration Drive)
Sunday, July 13th~12:00pm-7:00pm~Riverfront Park, Beacon, NY
Sign up to volunteer: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4brj#rsvp

For more information, contact:
Angela Valles 845-797-9810
Mike Kasper 845-380-8234
Wendy Williams 845-380-4810

JUNE 19^th

Hosted by the Dutchess County Young Democrats

On June 3^rd 2008 Illinois Senator Barack Obama claimed victory after a long contest for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.  This marks the first time an African-American has achieved the nomination of one of the two major political parties in a Presidential race.  In honor of his historic achievement, and in the interest of bringing the Democratic Party together under one banner, the Dutchess County Young Democrats are hosting a Unity Party on June 19^th from 7pm-9pm at Amici’s Restaurant and Lounge in the City of Poughkeepsie.  Amici’s is located in Dooley Square behind the Poughkeepsie train station.

Ira Margulies, President of the Dutchess County Young Democrats said, “With Barack Obama clinching the Democratic nomination after an historic primary battle with Senator Hillary Clinton, it is time for the Democratic Party to rally around our nominee and look forward to the General Election in November”.  The event is meant to serve as a celebration of Obama’s historic nomination and as a way for supporters of Senator Clinton to find out more about Obama and see how they can help his campaign in the coming months.  Local Democratic candidates running in Dutchess County will also be present.

Dutchess County was in the top four counties in New York voting for Obama in the Primary Election this past February.  Local organizers from the Obama for America campaign opened a campaign office in the Town of Poughkeepsie in the run up to the Super-Tuesday contest.  Local supporters tied into the national campaign will be present at the event on the 19^th to answer questions and explain about volunteer opportunities.

This event is open to the public and people of all ages and political parties are encouraged to attend.  There will be food served as well as drink specials.  Admission is $5 at the door.  Please contact Ira Margulies at (914) 475-0914 for more information.

Click for the invitation to the campaign kick off on Sunday June 1, 2008 at the Cuneen-Hackett Cultural Center, 9 Vassar St. Poughkeepsie, NY.
Everyone is invited! Click here for a printable invitation to the Joan Posner campaign kickoff!

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 23, 3008

Poughkeepsie, NY

For further information contact:

Arnold Linhardt at: 914-946-8400

The Dutchess County Democratic Party unanimously nominated Joan Posner on May 22nd as its candidate for Family Court Judge. Ms. Posner will run in the general election in November to succeed retiring Judge Damian Amodeo for this countywide judicial position.

Joan Posner was nominated by Roger Higgins, Chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature, who emphasized her extensive experience in Family Court and additional work on behalf of families and children in the community. Posner’s nomination was seconded by Lucille P. Pattison, retired County Executive.

Posner is the most qualified candidate for Family Court Judge, as she has spent the last twenty years as Court Attorney (chief legal counsel) for Judge Amodeo. In that capacity, she has first-hand experience of the role of a Family Court Judge, including drafting nearly one thousand decisions. As principal author of the Dutchess County Domestic Violence Bench Manual, for Town and Village Justices, Posner has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the difficult issues facing judges. This manual is now a statewide model and is available on the New York State Unified Court System’s official web site (http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/dv/index.shtm).

Posner has also serves on many committees such as the Dutchess County Legislature’s Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence, the Supervised Visitation Steering Committee, and the Family Court Advisory Council. Her work has been recognized by numerous community groups and she has won many awards, including the prestigious “Woman of Grace” award from the Grace Smith House in 2007.

After nominating Posner, Mr. Higgins stated, “The Democratic Party and all citizens of Dutchess County, especially those who will need the assistance of Family Court in the years to come, are extremely fortunate to have such a qualified candidate seeking to serve the County as its next Family Court Judge.”

Joan Posner stated that Family Court deals with difficult and emotional issues confronting families and she has the experience, knowledge and compassion required to be the next Family Court Judge. Posner expressed her gratitude and appreciation upon receiving the nomination and she looks forward to the campaign and meeting as many Dutchess County residents as possible between now and November 4th.

–
Joan Posner
Candidate for Family Court Judge

www.joanposner.com

Citizens for Joan Posner
PO Box 2723
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

We are in the process of planning voter registration events in and around Dutchess and Putnam Counties. You are invited to participate in a Vote for Change organizing and networking meeting on:

Please bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and energy to this meeting!
Invite your friends, family, and co-workers!
Let’s bring in the vote together!

More than 100 members of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee gathered at the Stissing House on May 4 to enjoy an afternoon together at the group’s annual fundraiser.
The Springtime Brunch and Silent Auction was attended by party members from across the county. Numerous past and present members of the county Legislature were in attendance.

U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey was the guest speaker for the event, which was also attended by state Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston).

Full report here.

The Dutchess County Young Democrats held a general meeting:
When: on Thursday, April 10, 2008,
Where: at the Muddy Cup in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Why: The Young Democrats met to discuss plans for 2008 as well as to hold elections, as required by their constitution.

The following individuals were elected by those present:

• President- Ira Margulies
• Vice President for Public Affairs- Hannah Black
• Vice President for Membership and Recruitment- Patrick Kelly
• Secretary- Kelly Light
• Treasurer- Lindsay Roth

Complete Press release here.

POUGHKEEPSIE - After nearly eight long hours of balloting, counting, and some arguing, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee elected current Vice Chairwoman Jane Barber Smith to its top seat in the committee during a reorganization meeting Wednesday night.

The Democrats elected Smith as their new chairwoman by a margin of roughly three-to-two over Robert Gephard, for the seat vacated by former Chairman Joseph Ruggiero, who resigned from the post due to a career change. Other county party seats filled included a new Treasurer, Dan French, re-elected Secretary Barbara Jeter-Jackson, and Vice Chair Elisa Sumner.

The election process began with roll call at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, and didn’t conclude until nearly 2:30 this morning.

Full Story

Dutchess County Democrats will soon elect a new party leader

Ruggiero said in a prepared statement today. “I have accepted a position in state government that will be announced in the next few days and look forward to continuing my career in public service. My wife, Stephanie, and I will always be grateful to the many supporters who worked on my many campaigns throughout the years.”

Ruggiero’s third term as Town of Wappinger supervisor expired at the end of December.

Full Story