POUGHKEEPSIE – Dale Borchert
was the near unanimous choice of the Republican-controlled Dutchess County
Legislature to continue as chairman for another year. Democrat Joel
Tyner was the sole negative vote.
He began his remarks Tuesday night with praise for the county legislature staff, and in particular, fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle.
“I know that each of you and all the members of our caucuses have the best interests of all the people of Dutchess County in mind, and while we bring different ingredients to the table, as legislators, our partnership allows us to bake a cake that is more than just a collection of those ingredients, but rather a product that blends all the flavors and textures that make Dutchess County unique.”
Borchert used the ‘halftime’ analogy to note that the “uniquely diverse team” that took office a year ago, including nine new members, has accomplished much. Particularly notable, he said, was embracing the proposed Justice and Transition Center, replacing the outdated county jail.
“I was impressed with by the exceedingly thorough and intensive
review process we embarked upon before making a final decision on this
issue. A process in which each of us played a role. While
we did not agree on all of the specifics, I am proud that we were able
to work together and ultimately find a long-term solution to our former
system of justice, one that quite frankly, followed a model that had seen
better days,”he said.
Looking ahead, the chairman spoke generally about commitments, including three broad goals set a year ago: investment in infrastructure; investment in key industries, such as agriculture and tourism; and maintaining low property taxes.
Borchert praised County Executive Marcus Molinaro for presenting a 2017 budget that met those goals.
Molinaro, who opted to stay home with a newborn son, issued a statement praising the chairman.
“I appreciate our partnership and work together, benefiting Dutchess County residents for several years. While that collaboration has yielded many achievements, the task of working to enhance the lives of our neighbors never ceases,” Molinaro said. “In the coming year, I again look forward to continuing to work together to make Dutchess County stronger, safer, healthier and kinder for each of our residents and visitors.”
Borchert drew a comparison between national politics, after a divisive presidential election, and what he suggested is a more civil scene on the home front.
“While a new administration in Washington may set the tone for our nation, it is here at our local level of government where we must remember that we are the role models for political representation. While most Americans do not regularly interact with their federal or state representatives, we are still their friends and neighbors.”
Borchert ended his almost 12-minute address back on the harmony theme, reminding fellow legislators that “our success depends on each other.”
