Pulver, Molinaro address the state of the county

MILLERTON — Residents of Millerton left the American Legion Post 178 on Wednesday, April 5, feeling confident about the future of their county following a Town Hall Forum hosted by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. 

By 6 p.m., the parking lot behind the building was crowded. Upon entering the building, visitors were given an overview of the 2017 State of the County while the presentation was displayed on a small screen at the front of the room. Residents struck up conversation as they waited for the forum to begin; County Legislator Gregg Pulver (R-19) encouraged them to grab a seat.

After thanking North East town Supervisor George Kaye for hosting the forum, Pulver introduced Deputy Supervisor John Merwin and Councilmen John Midwood and James Campbell. Town Clerk Lisa Cope, Highway Superintendent Bob Stevens, Amenia town Supervisor Victoria Perotti and newly elected Millerton Trustee Jenn Najdek were also introduced.

Molinaro spoke of the economic burdens and long-standing issues the county has dealt with since 2012. Moving forward, he said, Dutchess County is looking to provide a broad array of services to its residents. As a way of promoting an open conversation with local communities, the forums have been hosted at various locations around the county, including Beekman Town Hall in Poughquag, the town of Poughkeepsie Senior Center and Tivoli Village Hall.

Molinaro explained that the county wants to build a stronger, healthier, safer and kinder government, economy and community.

One of its main objectives is to grow the economy and to “create the kind of sustainable economic growth that Dutchess County can support,” said Molinaro. Under the Th!nk Dutchess Alliance for Business,  efforts are being made to strengthen current businesses while attracting new ones. 

Citing that 70 percent of jobs are created by businesses that already exist, he added that the county wants to diversify investment projects. Examples of the county’s economic engines include the Hudson Valley Regional Airport and its aviation program as well as the revitalization of the Partnership for Manageable Growth program. 

Regarding the county’s financial situation, Molinaro offered a handout that divided the percentages of the 2017 county tax dollar.

“We function in what I refer to as a 70-30 world,” said Molinaro, “and 70 percent of what we do is dictated by someone else.”

Given that 70 percent of county tax dollars are directed at mandated spending, Molinaro explained that 3 cents on the dollar are spent on behavioral and community health, 11 cents go toward public safety and 4 cents go to economic development and other optional services. Other areas of spending include 5 cents for road repair and snow removal and 1 cent for parks. Molinaro suggested residents contact their state representatives to support mandate relief.

For creating a safer and healthier community, Molinaro said the county is trying to divert individuals from the criminal justice system.

“The greatest investment we can make in the community is prevention services,” he said.

With opioid and heroin addiction and abuse as the largest current public health crisis, the county plans to expand its drug task force’s reach. The Drug Take Back Program offers drug drop off sites at police stations and pharmacies. Programs for acute pain management, medication assisted treatment and vivitrol treatment have also been added as available prevention services. 

Molinaro said he’s excited about the institution of the Stabilization Center that will launch a Mobile Crisis Intervention Team as a 24/7 resource to divert individuals from jail.

The Emergency Medical Response Task Force, he added, will coordinate education and training as well as public and emergency service forums. 

As part of building a kinder community, Molinaro first directed the audience’s attention to the establishment of a modern senior center. At this present time, Dutchess County is working to find a location that is accessible and will be able to deliver services more effectively.

“One of the things we know, as the community ages, is that being able to provide services to senior citizens gets much harder,” he said.

The county executive then addressed the creation of a universal recreation space for all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. In order to improve and broaden services, Dutchess County also wants to undertake a comprehensive analysis of youth services.

Molinaro especially took pride in the launch of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative that was created two years ago to include more individuals with disabilities in the community and to confront an accepted prejudice against those with disabilities.

“It starts with thinking differently about how we interact with one another,” Molinaro said. 

ThinkDIFFERENTLY will continue to host sensory-friendly movie events, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Dash, a ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday at the County Fair and a special needs baseball camp at Dutchess Stadium. Additionally, Dutchess County will offer more employment opportunities to individuals with special needs, such as a ThinkDIFFERENTLY cooking class with Amenia chef Dafna Mizrahi that will teach life skills in the form of basic cooking.

As the presentation came to a close, Molinaro encouraged the crowd to look over the summary of the 2017 State of the County for more information and to contact Dutchess County to join the conversation.

“You have a good team of people working in Dutchess County, and you should be proud of the people who you sent to office,” Molinaro said before opening the forum up for questions.

For additional information, call 845-486-2000 or go to www.dutchessny.gov.