Dutchess Democrats Make Endorsements

POUGHKEEPSIE – At the conclusion of a meeting held February 25, in Poughkeepsie, Elisa Sumner, chairwoman of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee announced the party’s slate for elections to be held on November 5, 2019.

Joseph Ruggiero, former Town of Wappinger Supervisor, NYS Deputy Comptroller, and Executive Director of the NYS Bridge Authority, was endorsed by the Dutchess Democrats to run for County Executive. “I’ve lived in Dutchess County my entire life and have a full understanding of the challenges facing our residents,” said Ruggiero, who was first elected as councilman in 1994. “Whether it’s rising energy costs, increasing property taxes, a mounting county fiscal crisis or just making ends meet around the kitchen table, I know what families are dealing with in Dutchess County,” he continued.

“Joseph Ruggiero has used a visionary management style to successfully transform every office he’s held to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This leadership is sorely needed in Dutchess County where we deserve a full-time County Executive who is honest about the problems facing our residents and focused on implementing real solutions,” said Sumner.

Practicing attorney and former Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard Berube will run for the County’s top legal position. “There are real problems with the way the DA’s office has been run, and Richard Berube has been on both the prosecutorial and defense sides, and is committed to seeing real justice done,” said Sumner. Berube, a lifelong Dutchess County resident and graduate of Pace Law school, is a partner at the law firm MacKay and Berube in Poughkeepsie, and joined the US Marine Corps, serving four years before attending college.

Kenya Gadsden, a Fishkill resident and former Beacon City School District Vice-president, was endorsed for County Clerk. “I’ve worked tirelessly for the past 25 years in the nonprofit world, serving adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Gadsden, also a mother of three, “and am ready to work just as fully to improve County operations so we can move forward together.” Sumner added, “Kenya Gadsden has dedicated her life to public service and to helping those in need. She will bring a new vitality and humanity to county government.”

The Dutchess Democrats also nominated a great and diverse slate of incumbents and challengers for the County Legislature. “We made a lot of progress in 2017, in terms of electing new Legislators, and we are eager to do even better this election year,” said Hannah Black, Minority Leader, representing Hyde Park and Staatsburg. “It’s been a pleasure to help lead a group who enjoy challenging work,” she continued, “and I’m confident that our first time candidates are just as eager and ready to help improve the lives of our county residents as our current Legislators.”