The Democratic Caucus of the Dutchess County Legislature has learned that County Administration is failing to implement the emergency housing facility plan involving the purchase of 26 Oakley Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. Throughout, the project was strongly opposed by the Democratic caucus and drew significant community outrage. At the time the purchase was first proposed […]
The Dutchess Democratic Committee held its nominating convention for countywide elections tonight, endorsing Tommy Zurhellen for County Executive, Anthony Parisi for District Attorney, Kenya Gadsden for County Clerk, and James Rogers for Family Court Judge. Dutchess County Democratic Chair Michael Dupree said, “It was an exciting night with my fellow Democratic committee members so fired up […]
Poughkeepsie, New York, December 8, 2022—At tonight’s meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, Democratic lawmakers strenuously opposed a last-minute amendment to the 2023 county budget that added $25 million for luxury clubhouses and event space at the county-owned stadium. Legislative Chair Gregg Pulver wielded his authority to circumvent regular procedures and put the item to a vote […]
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Dutchess County Democrats sent a letter to Dutchess County District Attorney Bill Grady asking for a fair, impartial and thorough investigation into what appear to be acts of perjury by Dutchess County Republican Elections Commissioner Erik Haight. On January 15, 2021, Commissioner Haight emailed District Attorney Grady and urged him […]
On August 12, 2019, Democratic members of the Dutchess County Legislature again put forward a local law to end the practice of county legislators drawing their own maps. Instead of creating their own gerrymandered districts, the legislature would delegate the power to create the new map to an independent bipartisan/nonpartisan commission. This is the FOURTH […]
Molinaro, Republicans beat back efforts to remedy jail understaffing crisis At the full board meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature on December 6, 2018, the 25-member Dutchess County Legislature passed the $503 million 2019 budget by a margin of 19-5 after lively debate and a number of amendments intended to improve the lives of Dutchess […]
At the full board meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature on December 6, 2018, the Dutchess County Legislature approved a ban on disposable plastic shopping bags to take effect on January 1, 2020. The 23-1 move comes following proposals put forward by Legislator Nick Page (D-Beacon) and the Democratic caucus. “This is a good first […]
Democrats call for independent review of budget; propose focus on the opioid epidemic, cuts to bloated government Marc Molinaro’s proposed 2019 Dutchess County budget uses $8.5 million in fund balance transfers to cover up a recurring structural deficit in his budget while setting aside nearly 20% of the general fund balance ($10M) in the hopes […]
Eight members of the Dutchess County Legislature announced today that they are seeking formal investigations into Marc Molinaro’s conduct by the County Board of Ethics, the New York Attorney General’s Office, and the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (“JCOPE”). The formal complaint was sent this past weekend following the discovery that Molinaro failed to disclose […]
On July 2, Dutchess County Republicans blocked yet another anti-corruption and good-government law when Dutchess County Legislature Chair Gregg Pulver (R-North East) removed a proposed law from July’s agenda that, if passed, would ban the use of taxpayer funds to promote politicians. The law, put forward by Dutchess County Democrats, would, among other things, prevent […]
On July 3, Dutchess County Executive (and Republican candidate for governor) Marcus Molinaro signed a law clearing the way for his salary and those of other county elected officials to be raised in any year instead of requiring a vote during election years. Prior to this change, politicians were required to face the voters the […]
At the July 9, 2018 full board meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, members unanimously passed a Democratic resolution to improve outreach for citizen participation in volunteer boards and committees, overcoming Republican resistance at the June sessions.
At the June 7, 2018 committee meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, Republicans unexpectedly voted in unison to block a resolution to improve transparency in county government. The committee vote occurred along party lines, 6-5. The resolution, entitled “Resolution for Transparency in Dutchess County volunteer boards and committees” would require the county to list the […]
At the June 11, 2018 full board meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, Republican legislators voted to make it easier to raise their own salaries and those of other county elected officials. Every Democratic legislator was opposed to the change. The local law was approved 13-10. “Good government allows for its people to participate in […]
Democrats in the Dutchess County Legislature recently proposed legislation that would require drug manufacturers to pay for the installation of secure, drug take-back boxes at every pharmacy in the county rather than making the county taxpayers (or local business owners) foot the bill. On Wednesday, Democratic legislators again called on the Republican leadership to allow […]
At their March 1 full county meeting, the Dutchess Democrats overwhelmingly endorsed Karen Smythe (D-Red Hook) as their preferred candidate for New York’s 41st Senate District seat currently held by Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park). Two candidates sought the committee’s endorsement. Smythe, a newcomer to local politics, was born and raised in Poughkeepsie. After working as […]
In a close vote, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee voted to endorse Antonio Delgado (D-Rhinebeck) in the 19th Congressional District at their full county meeting on March 1. Six candidates were nominated and considered: Pat Ryan, Gareth Rhodes, Brian Flynn, Delgado, David Clegg and Jeffrey Beals. To prevent one candidate receiving an endorsement with a […]
POUGHKEEPSIE — Four members of the Dutchess County Legislature have put forward a resolution to censure Legislator Joseph Incoronato for his offensive and inexcusable statements in 2016 and 2017 that blamed the victims of sexual assault for their attacks. Legislators Hannah Black (Hyde Park & Staatsburg), Francena Amparo (Wappinger), Rebecca Edwards (Town of Poughkeepsie) and […]
“As Democrats, we believe that good government exists to improve the quality of people’s lives by protecting equal rights, ensuring public safety, providing vital services, supporting economic development, and maintaining programs for the most vulnerable segments of the community. As Democrats, we pledge to act and speak with integrity and civility, always striving for common ground […]
We are proud of our slate and hope that you will volunteer for one or more of the following candidates! President – Hillary Clinton Vice President – Tim Kaine To volunteer contact Rima Liscum: helpelecthillary@gmail.com 845-546-1037 Like our facebook page: Dutchess for Hillary https://www.facebook.com/Dutchess-for-Hillary-1444999605743711/ U.S. Senator – Charles ‘Chuck’ Schumer 18th Congressional District – Congressman […]