Lois Sworn in as New Dutchess Comptroller

POUGHKEEPSIE – Robin Lois took the oath of office as Dutchess County comptroller before a packed house of supporters Saturday evening.

This was the Lois’ first run for political office; the Democrat defeated incumbent Republican James Coughlan.

She attributed her victory to bipartisan support, which was evident by those in attendance at her swearing in.

County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison and State Senator Susan Serino, all Republicans attended along with Democratic Assembly Members Didi Barrett, Frank Skartados and newly elected State Supreme Court Justice Christi Acker.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli administered the oath of office.

“She has the smarts and she has the strength of character and she has the integrity that are in some ways to me are actually more important than the credentials that are on a piece of paper,” he said.

Lois said she wants to increase the accountability and transparency of the county.

“I did not feel there were enough audits being done to make sure that we knew where our money was being spent. I did not think there was enough reporting out to the taxpayers, how things were being done,” she said. “We didn’t really hear much from the comptroller’s office about how things were operating and where things were going so I do think I have a lot of opportunity to increase the transparency and reporting that comes out of that office.”

The first thing Lois is going to do when she goes to her office on Tuesday is find her parking space and where the bathroom is, she quipped.