Hutnik challenges Houston for District 25

AMENIA — Challenging incumbent Deirdre Houston (R-25) for a seat in the Dutchess County Legislature, is newcomer Danny Hutnik of Amenia. He is running on the Democratic and Working Families ticket for the two-year position. Although he’s relatively new to the area, he has strong feelings about the community, its residents and its needs.

“Our community is struggling yet our current legislator voted against directing American Rescue Funds to communities where the pandemic hit Dutchess County hardest, right here in District 25,” said Hutnik.

He wants better government for citizens on all fronts, including improved education. He’d also like to see better access to quality health care, both physical and mental healthcare basics.

Working as a New York State Education Department Social Worker, he is a member of the United Federation of Teachers. He works with children in pre-k through high school.

“I am running on protecting our children’s future through quality education and care in schools,” said Hutnik. “I’m working with school leaders to provide  better social, emotional learning supports and training for educators and counselors that will  give them new skill sets for working with our children.”

He added that “County government should be helping those  who have been most impacted by the pandemic — struggling families and small businesses. With the right leadership we can turn this crisis around and build back a stronger economy and community.”

Hutnik has strong views on housing and doesn’t think people should have to choose between where they work and where they live when deciding on jobs and living situations.

He also believes residents should have a voice in how funds are spent on infrastructure, including water and sewer, as well as roads and broadband access.

Most of all, he would like to help close the gap between the haves and the have-nots, believing that fair taxation allows everyone to enjoy a better quality of  life. He said District 25’s municipalities of Millbrook/Washington, Amenia and part of Pleasant Valley are no exception.

Hutnik has been busy campaigning and has gotten to see firsthand the needs of District 25 while visiting a number of local food pantries, charity drives and fundraisers.

Originally from New York City, Hutnik and his husband now reside in Amenia.