Chair of Legislature Pulver campaigns for fifth term

PINE PLAINS — For all the progress that’s been made thus far in Dutchess County to benefit his constituents, Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature Gregg Pulver (R-19) knows there’s still work to be done and hopes to serve a fifth term in the Legislature if successful on Nov. 2.

Pulver first ran for County Legislature in 2013, taking office in 2014. As part of his lifelong career in community service, he served as Pine Plains town supervisor from 2000 to 2012, after serving that community’s Board of Education for many years.

Reflecting on his eight years as legislator, Pulver takes pride in how the county has decreased taxes every year while increasing services. As chairman of the Legislature, Pulver said he’s brought “a louder and a stronger voice for the northeast corner of Dutchess County.”

Serving the largest district in the county, and the most rural, Pulver, a working farmer, is running under the Republican line  and the Common Ground line, which is his own independent party line.

Pulver said he’s excited about the Youth Opportunity Union program the county will be working on for the next few years. So far, $25 million has been allocated toward the program by the county.

Looking ahead, the lawmaker anticipates brainstorming ways to increase volunteerism, create more opportunities for local veterans and continue to help the towns he serves with ongoing projects. Those include Pine Plains’ plans for a central sewer system and the nearly $8 million revitalization of Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton.

If elected to another term, Pulver aims to foster more open dialogue with the communities he serves. He already makes himself very accessible to his constituents, which he has always believed is very important.

“I think the challenge in all our communities is to start talking to one another,” he said. “COVID-19 has changed all of our communities in some manner. All of our communities need to embrace our residents — that’s what I’d love to see — that’s where we get our ideas from for doing projects in our towns.”

The multi-generational Pine Plains farmer and family man added, “I think it’s important we all talk to one another and not just with people who agree with us. It’s important to talk with people who disagree with us and learn both sides of the issue.”

District 19 includes North East/Millerton, Stanford, Pine Plains and Milan.