Legislative primary race Kelsey, Washburn seek spot on Republican ticket

Dutchess County — Incumbent Dutchess County Legislator Mike Kelsey (R-25) and Sandy Washburn are seeking the Republican nomination in the Sept. 10 primary to run for the legislative district in the general election. 

District 25 covers Amenia, Washington, Millbrook and part of Pleasant Valley.

Voters in Amenia District 1 vote at Immaculate Conception-St. Patrick Parish. Voters in Amenia District 2 vote at the Wassaic firehouse. Voters in Amenia District 3 vote at the VFW Harlem Valley Post No. 5444 in Dover Plains.

Voters in Millbrook and Washington vote at the Millbrook firehouse.

Voters in Pleasant Valley Districts 1, 4 and 5 vote at Traver Road Primary School. Voters in Pleasant Valley Districts 2 and 3 vote at West Road Intermediate School. Voters in Pleasant Valley Districts 6 and 7 vote at Salt Point firehouse. Polling is from noon to 9 p.m.

Mike Kelsey

Kelsey, a Salt Point resident, is in his sixth year as a county legislator. He’s served the position for three terms; each term is two years long.

Kelsey cited accomplishments of his tenure so far as qualifications for his re-election.

“I achieved tax relief for low-income disabled property owners,” the candidate said. “Secondly … voting against all county salary increases and the energy tax, and working to have it repealed.”

In addition, the legislator said, his terms have been marked by “constant and persistent advocacy for the mentally ill including changes to improvements within how we deliver services within Dutchess County.”

The incumbent said he’d continue to advocate for a conservative  approach to spending if re-elected.

“But I also want to get more involved in the criminal justice system in curbing some of the abuses that take place there,” he added, “and particularly advocating for the large populations of mentally ill that are in our jail and shouldn’t be.”

Lastly, Kelsey said, “one of the biggest pleasures of being a legislator is helping the local people in navigating governmental red tape and connecting the services.

“And this has been an area that I’ve particularly excelled at and being a voice for the people of eastern Dutchess,” he said.

Sandy Washburn

Washburn, also a Salt Point resident, has not served in county government before but has worked for municipalities in Parks and Recreation departments and on other committees and boards.

“Committee work and board work is something that I’m very used to and do enjoy,” she said.

The candidate is currently in her second year as director of Parks and Recreation in the town of LaGrange. Before that, she held the same position in Beekman for eight years.

In Pleasant Valley, Washburn is a volunteer member of the local fire department. She was formerly an EMT and is currently with the fire police.

“I’ve always had my hand in volunteer work,” she said, including former seats on Pleasant Valley’s Little League Board of Directors and the Recreation Booster Club.

Through her work, the candidate serves on a Business and Economic Development Committee in LaGrange, “working cooperatively to help the small business owners in town to have a strong community, to help them grow.”

Washburn said cooperation and shared services are part of what she’s done in her career for more than a decade.

“I bring those things now to a different forum,” she said — county government.

Besides working toward a strong economy, the candidate said she’d provide a bigger voice for agriculture if elected.

“I absolutely love this district,” said Washburn, who grew up on a dairy farm and in the FFA. “It’s people who I understand, people who are hardworking, people who have ties to the community and to the land … I would be a very strong natural voice for our farmers.”

The candidate said she’d also work to keep taxes under control. 

“We want people to stay here, we want them to call Hudson Valley home,” she said. 

Washburn has already received an endorsement for legislator from the Conservative Party.