Democrats introduce candidates

AMENIA — Getting a head start on this year’s election, the Amenia Democratic Committee presented town and county candidates at a Candidate Forum held on Sunday, May 19.

More than a dozen constituents stopped by Town Hall to learn more about the candidates running for office this November. Following welcoming remarks by Councilman Damian Gutierrez, the forum began, featuring Gutierrez and Vicki Doyle as candidates for the Amenia Town Board; Joe Ruggiero for Dutchess County executive; Kenya Gadsden for Dutchess County clerk; Richard Berube for Dutchess County district attorney; and Wendy McCarthy for Dutchess County legislator for District 25. 

Included in his role as a councilman on the Amenia Town Board, Gutierrez explained that he’s worked to make local government more transparent and explain board business to local residents. If reelected for another term, he plans to continue working on the town website.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the last few years,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Doyle spoke about her work as a liaison to the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), explaining her goal to protect local resources while allowing economic opportunity to grow. As a way of making positive change in their community, she encouraged those at the forum to consider joining local committees like the CAC.

As a candidate for Dutchess County executive, Ruggiero called attention to the changes in enrollment, referring to the increased number Democrats coming into the county. He proposed investing in the county’s youth, its seniors and its environment, and he wants to make more resources available to youth and senior citizens.

“Our largest investment in county history cannot be a prison,” Ruggiero said.

During her campaign for Dutchess County clerk, Gadsden said she’s developed a greater appreciation for the communities she’s visited. She talked about what motivated her to campaign for office, including the number of people who don’t have access (whether physical access or time availability) to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a lack of transparency at the DMV.

Having previously served as both the prosecution and the defense, Berube said he’s observed both sides of the law and knows the value of early intervention to keep people out of jail. If elected district attorney, he said, “Diversion will be the rule, and by diversion, I mean diverting people away from the criminal justice system.”

Listing affordable healthcare as a reason for her campaign, McCarthy emphasized the importance of responsibility and transparency in government and shared her intentions to promote both if elected Dutchess County legislator.

As a member of the Amenia Democratic Committee, Polly Pitts-Garvin reported the committee is looking for another member to join, to bring its numbers up to six. With the election coming up in November, she invited residents interested in volunteering as election inspectors to email ameniademocrats@gmail.com.

Encouraging the community to get the word out about this year’s candidates, Gutierrez said, “I would implore everyone here that any effort you can contribute… anything you can do to help support our candidates would be greatly appreciated.”