HOPEWELL JUNCTION — On Tuesday, March 11, Republican county executive Sue Serino took to the stage at John Jay High School to deliver commentary on Dutchess in her State of the County address.
The evening began with a welcome by Wappingers Central School District superintendent Dwight Bonk and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dutchess County sheriff Kirk Imperati. Ava Dvorak, a senior at John Jay, offered her rendition of the national anthem followed by an invocation from Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International performed “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)” with the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team closing out the pre-speech segment of the evening with their “Formation” demonstration.
Sophia Puglia, a John Jay junior, then introduced the county executive whom she described as “a role model for women.” Serino then began her presentation, “The Lives We Touch,” by thanking her family, colleagues and those assembled. She pinpointed Dutchess residents as her focus, saying “Tonight is about more than policies and programs. It is about people. Because — at the heart of every decision we make, every dollar we invest, and every initiative we launch — there is a life we are striving to improve.”
Serino’s speech highlighted the expansion of county undertakings for seniors, youths and veterans as well as initiatives in public safety, emergency medical and mental health services, agriculture, housing and childcare. Hoarding, crime and scams impacting seniors were also topics of discussion during her address.She noted the reorganization of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, which has been separated into health, mental health, and veterans’ affairs — an approach which Serino believes has enabled these departments to serve residents in a more productive fashion.
Serino pointed out the county’s Silver Certification from the state via its New York Climate Smart Communities program, and emphasized its position of fiscal strength with its AA+ bond rating status as confirmed by Standard and Poors — the highest rating for any county in New York State.Additionally, Serino noted transit ridership is up with over 880,000 Dutchess residents utilizing public transport services.
She maintained that strategic planning and conservative economics have benefitted Dutchess homeowners and county employees.“I’m so proud that our 2025 budget continues the tradition of fiscal responsibility, cutting the property tax rate for the 10th year while ensuring that there were zero layoffs within county government,” Serino said, pointing out that the county will continue to actively monitor its spending while continuing to steadily grow initiatives.
Serino said she is prioritizing programs to benefit the 55-plus set. She shared the news of the creation of the OFA Ambassador title, a role expected to connect seniors and their families with programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. “It’s so important that they have the support they need to stay active, connected, and live the lives they deserve,” said Serino, who also announced the Older Adult Skills Fair which will enable older workers to keep their skills sharp and remain connected to their communities.
Enriching the lives of veterans is another area Serino is tackling with the April launch of the first “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony in recognition of Vietnam veteran and First Lieutenant Andrew Doro. She reminded the audience of Veterans One-Stop, which connects former military members to services and benefits such as housing guidance, healthcare options or financial assistance. Serino also announced another new title — a Veterans Outreach role, which will serve as information provider to veterans in need of guidance for supports they may need. Additionally, a transportation initiative, “Go Go Veterans,” has been launched, which provides vets with transport to appointments and gatherings.
More specifically to Northeastern Dutchess, Serino spoke of housing initiatives, pointing out the Habitat for Humanity dwelling recently erected in the Town of North East. At press time, the dwelling remained empty, pending necessary revisions to the property which will enable the owners, the Macagnone family, to finally occupy the premises. Serino also spoke of the need to grow locally owned business, saying, “Our small businesses are the heart of our local economy, and we’ve recently launched our Small Business Roundtables to provide a space for business owners to connect, share challenges, and access resources to help them grow and succeed. Our first two roundtables, in the Village of Millerton and the Arlington Business District, were huge successes.”
One item of discussion undoubtedly of interest to residents of Northeastern Dutchess was EMS services. Extended ambulance service wait times and coverage gaps have long been an issue throughout the region which lacks a hospital. Serino touted the implementation of supplemental EMS coverage, but then segued into a discussion regarding EMS needs related to senior citizen accidents without returning to the topic at hand.
North East town supervisor Chris Kennan, who was in the audience, felt the issue should have been further addressed. “While I was interested to hear what the county executive had to say on a number of subjects, my main interest in being there was to speak with her about EMS services in the Town of North East,” Kennan said. “We probably pay more on a per capita basis for EMS services than any other town in the County... The town is committed to making sure our residents have access to emergency medical services, but it is also my job to look for a less costly way to do it.We need the county’s help on this.”
Throughout the evening, Serino remained upbeat, an approach which, while accentuating the positive, may not necessarily address the fiscal worries of Dutchess residents. While Republican politicos in the audience supported Serino throughout the evening, some Democratic officials had a different take. “The county executive’s address struck an optimistic tone but felt out of touch, given the struggles many Dutchess County residents face, especially as federal funding cuts have started to hit our community,” observed Chris Drago, D-19. “Nearly $3 million in funding has been cut or frozen at Rock Steady Farm in North East, $600,000 at Ronnybrook Farm in Pine Plains and the Cary Institute in Millbrook has already faced layoffs. We’ve heard of individual agricultural grants disappearing, hurting local businesses, workers, and our broader economy … These cuts are happening now, and we need leadership that will fight for our fair share.”
In a March 12 email to the News, county comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair conveyed his own concerns that greater advocacy and more action on behalf of the county executive is needed. “I appreciate that Sue focused on the people we serve. It reflects what I’ve come to know of her,” said Aymar-Blair. “In my conversations with people, non-profits, and businesses, I do not hear a sentiment of hope that was the theme of the speech. There is anxiety everywhere about federal funding being cut off, and what lower federal spending will mean for our local economy. We are heading into choppy waters and people are always asking me, ‘What’s the plan if we lose grants? What’s the plan if sales tax revenue drops off?’”
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE
Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.
The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
While no resolution was reached, Mayor Jenn Najdek agreed to schedule a follow-up special meeting where the public can speak with Village legal counsel and explore the proposal in a more practical, informed setting. The yet-to-be scheduled meeting is expected to take place sometime in June, according to Najdek.
The meeting addressed ongoing ICE activity in the Hudson Valley and throughout the country, primarily reports of arrests made without judicial warrants and alleged misidentifications. Millerton’s police department, which operates on a limited, part-time basis, is not typically involved in immigration enforcement, but residents said clear local guidelines are necessary before an event or arrest occurs.
“Our village has a moral imperative to do everything in its power to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants who live and work in our community,” said Barbara Graham, a Millerton resident of 14 years.
Graham spearheaded an email to Mayor Najdek and the Village board that to get on the Board’s agenda. Co-signed by six Millerton residents and 11 supporters, the letter urged the board to “affirm its commitment to justice, constitutional rights, and community trust.”
Wearing a homemade lapel pin that read, “Well-being for all beings,” Graham read aloud from the group’s letter. Najdek then opened the floor for public comment.
“I don’t think anybody here is asking the Village to tell the police how to do their job,” said Bill Kish of the Town of North East. “What we’re asking is that the Village provide clear guidance in the form of local law…that unless a judicial warrant is provided, the police will not use any of their resources to help.”
Eliot Ramos, a Village resident, added, “Newcomer or lifelong local, adopting a law that bars our police from collaborating with ICE is an act of partnership and moral leadership that honors due process.”
Trustees and community members alike noted the limited effect a law of this nature might have at the local level. Still, the response from meeting attendees was unanimous. Andres Vialpando, who said he was born and raised in Millerton, noted a law would carry weight even as a symbolic gesture.
“I’d be proud to say that my village is standing up for what I would call good and healthy laws,” Vialpando said. “I support this initiative, even if it seems like, at some level, it could be unnecessary.”
Though the discussion was scheduled for 15 minutes, it continued for nearly an hour. Following public comment, Najdek, the four Village trustees and Police Chief Joseph Olenik addressed the concerns.
They noted the cost of legal consultation — estimated at $5,000 according to Najdek — could strain an already tight budget. Officials also noted the potential repercussions of adopting such a law, including the loss of federal funding for infrastructure projects like sidewalks and sewer upgrades.
“We’re doing our work, applying for grants, applying for funding, getting projects completed,” said Najdek. “My concern is that we’re putting a spotlight on us that could impact funding over the next five years. It’s a real concern for a village of our size.”
Throughout the meeting, questions arose about the legal interplay between local, state and federal jurisdictions. Residents pressed for specifics about what would happen if ICE entered the village. Chief Olenik offered a limited response.
“At this point in time, I would be assisting them,” he said. “I wouldn’t be making the arrests, but I would be assisting them with whatever they would need us to do as Village PD.”
He added that he would not hinder an investigation or withhold information from the State Police, the Sheriff’s Office or ICE.
Weighing the risks and rewards of pursuing such a law, Najdek responded emotionally: “I want to do my job. I want to keep my head down. I want to do the right thing for the Village the best I can.”
Other items addressed during the special meeting included the approval of $99,498.99 in vouchers from April and May; the delivery and acceptance of department reports; approval of previous meeting minutes; and a discussion of Express Bill Pay, a new software system that will allow residents to pay utility bills online by credit card or e-check.