Molinaro talks at Town Hall Forum

PINE PLAINS — Residents learned where Dutchess County is headed in 2019 at a Town Hall Forum held in the Pine Plains Community Room on Wednesday, April 3.

The audience included residents from Pine Plains, North East, Stanfordville and beyond as well as representatives from the county. 

In her opening remarks, Pine Plains town Supervisor Darrah Cloud said, “the best people working in county government ardently seek common ground” with local leaders. She introduced Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and shared her excitement at his decision to host a Town Hall Forum in Pine Plains.

Molinaro gave an overview of the 2019 State of the County address. Among the highlights, Molinaro spoke about the continuation of the ThinkDifferently initiative; the county’s efforts to respond to mental health crises and connect people to services for opioid addiction; the annual breakdown of the county tax dollar; and so on. 

 Molinaro spoke of his initiatives, projects and partnerships for the future. He spoke of the gaps the county intends to bridge with valuable services and partnerships, from enhancing the county parks to making medical assisted treatment more accessible.

Then, Molinaro invited the audience to speak. Along with thanking Molinaro for the upcoming extension of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Millerton resident Mary Lynn Kalogeras asked if he promised to stay in office for four years if re-elected this November. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018. Molinaro replied that it was his “absolute intention” to hold on to this position for as long as the public wants him in office. Kalogeras also asked what the county’s plans are for reducing its carbon footprint. Molinaro replied the county is getting local communities involved in environmentally-friendly practices.

Pine Plains resident Dick Hermans asked whether there was a mechanism in place for the Dutchess County Jail. Aimed at building a new space that will allow the county to expand available programming, Molinaro shared plans to develop a new, smaller jail facility with 384 new beds and 35 medical treatment facilities. As a major component of the proposal, Molinaro revealed that the county’s current jail facility was the least effective facility in New York state. He pointed out that for every 1.3 inmates, the facility has one correction officer nearby.

Stanfordville resident Kathy Zeyher brought up the promotion of Dutchess Tourism, particularly in terms of setting organized guidelines for the number of cyclists coming into the area. Molinaro suggested connecting with Dutchess Tourism and shared how, under state law, cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

Stanfordville resident Divo Martini wrapped up the night, thanking the county executive for his service and his time.

“I want to thank you for the great job you do at the county level and also for a clear presentation,” he said, and the audience applauded in agreement.