Coughlin discusses his tenure while Lois listens
POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s
monthly breakfast in Poughkeepsie drew a capacity crowd to hear eight-year
Dutchess County Comptroller James Coughlan, a Republican and his opponent,
political newcomer Robin Lois, a Democrat, explain why they deserve to
be the county’s next comptroller.
Coughlin said county finances, which were in poor condition when he took
office, have now never been better.
“Prior to my being comptroller, Dutchess County had a spending problem,
they depleted the fund balance, had runaway spending, had operating deficits
totaling $16 million. Our bond rating was downgraded,” he said.
“Since I have been comptroller, we have had operation surpluses
every year, our bond rating has been restored; we have gone from deficit
to surplus. That is something I am proud of, being the voice of reason
in Dutchess County government.”
With regard to his qualifications to remain comptroller, Coughlan said
that having an accounting degree is superfluous; his opponent possesses
a CPA title.
Lois maintains that certification is critical.
“I understand it is time to have an accountant in this position.
The comptroller is the chief financial officer and auditor of the county
and I think it imperative that that position be held by an accountant.
I want to use my 30 years of accounting in all different genres to safeguard
your tax dollars,” she said.
Coughlan is a multi-lingual attorney who handled finance and patent litigation
in New York City where he specialized in Japanese and Chinese infringement
before entering the realm of Dutchess County politics.
Lois, the Democratic candidate for the position that manages the county’s
$425 million dollar budget, stressed the need for more shared services,
citing the success of County Executive Molinaro’s Municipal Innovation
Grant program that encourages the county’s towns, cities, and villages
to work together for cost savings steps and potentially received county
funding for the programs. Coughlan intimated that the need to promote
consolidation is non-existent.
