Democrats hold forum with Barrett, Ryan, Hinchey

Democrats hold forum with Barrett, Ryan, Hinchey
From left: Rep. Pat Ryan; state Sen. Michelle Hinchey; Tommy Zurhellen, candidate for Dutchess County executive; Chris Drago, candidate for Dutchess County  Legislature District 19; and Assemblymember Didi Barrett at a forum on Sunday, July 30,  in Millbrook hosted by the Northern Dutchess Democrats. Photo submitted

MILLBROOK —  The pavilion at the Town of Washington Park was filled to capacity on the afternoon of Sunday, July 30, as a forum hosted by the Northern Dutchess Democrats provided discussion concerning issues relevant to Dutchess County residents with state Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D, NY-41) Rep. Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) and Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D, Dutchess/Columbia).

Village of Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy welcomed the audience of more than 90 and then introduced the moderator, Stanford Town Supervisor Wendy Burton.

Others attending were Tommy Zurhellen, who is running against former state Sen. Sue Serino for county executive; James Rogers, who is running for family court judge; and Chris Drago, who is campaigning for the District 19 Dutchess County Legislature seat held by Gregg Pulver.

Town of Washington Democratic Committee Chair Cecilia Collopy remarked that she’d seen many new people among audience members, including a few younger people.

People from many different towns and villages attended. Bill Kish of Millerton questioned Barrett about her decision to support a bill relating to the state greenhouse gas emission accounting system. The discussion was ended after a period of time, but Barrett invited Kish to meet with her for further discussion if he so chose.

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