Democratic candidates hit the campaign trail

MILLERTON — The local community got better acquainted with candidates running for office this year by attending the Democratic Candidates Forum held in the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex on Saturday, April 13.

The event was hosted by the North East Democratic Committee. The annex opened its doors at 10 a.m. to a good-sized crowd of local constituents who came with questions.

Following an introduction by North East Democratic Committee Chair Jon Arnason, each candidate was asked to outline their principles as well as the experiences they believed best supported their campaign for office. After each speech, the floor was opened to give the public a chance to ask questions and voice concerns.

Campaigning as a candidate for Dutchess County executive, Joe Ruggiero shared his staunch opposition to fracking as well as his proposal to bring fiber optic cables into county residences for broadband access.

“One of the biggest things I want to do for rural communities is to push out county services into our communities so that residents have access to it,” Ruggiero said.

Having served both as a defense attorney and as a prosecutor, Dutchess County district attorney candidate Richard Berube shared his platform. 

Given her 25 years of experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities for Lifespire, Kenya Gadsden talked about how she plans to apply her skills as Dutchess County clerk.

Regarding his candidacy for Dutchess County legislator for the 19th District, Oblong Books & Music owner Dick Hermans explained, “I really feel like I’m at a point in my life where everything I’ve done has led me to this and my wanting to do this. We have to set an example in Dutchess County… that the rest of the state can emulate.”

Running as a candidate for North East town supervisor, Councilman Chris Kennan talked about issues important to him, such as encouraging transparency in local government and bringing town government out of Town Hall to relieve the alienation people feel from their government.

“I think we have an amazing opportunity to actually know each other, to know our town officials and to actually call our town officials up,” Kennan said.

As one of three candidates running for the North East Town Board, incumbent John Midwood said he’s looking forward to working on the town’s Climate Smart initiative along with encouraging transparency in local government if re-elected to a second term in office.

“I love this community,” Midwood said. “It’s been an honor to serve as a Town Board member.”

Inspired by the work Kennan and Midwood have accomplished, North East Town Board candidate Tara O’Neill shared her aspirations to work on the community’s behalf. 

In seeking nomination for North East town clerk, former Deputy Town Clerk Gail Wheeler said her goals for office are to manage records for the town and to manage the office for residents and taxpayers.

This year’s Democratic Caucus will be held at The Millerton Inn at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.