POUGHKEEPSIE – Democratic Dutchess County executive candidate Joseph Ruggiero received a key endorsement from the Dutchess County Central Labor Council, which also endorsed other Democratic candidates who are up for local seats on November 5.
The announcement was made Friday evening in a Main Street building in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Also Friday evening, other labor groups announced their endorsements of Republican County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
Ruggiero said his endorsement is critical in his campaign to unseat Molinaro.
“To have the endorsement of these 32,000 working people from this county represents what this campaign is fighting for,” Ruggiero said. “What we bring forth in this election is about jobs and taxes and expanding childcare and addressing issues that are confronting the people of the county; everyday pocketbook issues that firm the minds of the voters.”
Robert Pinto, a member of the labor council, said it is their hope to have a full Democratic slate win in November.
“We think labor has been left behind in Dutchess County and we think that we can take back the legislature,” Pinto said, “and we think Joe is the man to beat [Molinaro for County executive].”
After his official endorsement, Ruggiero revved up the crowd with motivation that appeared to be inspired by President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.
“We are criss-crossing this county and hear the same stories over and over again,” he said. “Taxes are too high, their jobs are outside the county and they’re hungry for change. There is hope and change coming this November.”
Meanwhile, Molinaro received three endorsements, also announced Friday night.
“The 28 locals affiliated with the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and the 10,000-plus members we represent, proudly support Marc Molinaro for re-election. We have built a great relationship and look forward to continuing to work with Marc on issues important to Building Trades Members and all working people in the Hudson Valley,” said Todd Diorio, president of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council.
“(Marc’s) ardor for duty and service is manifest throughout his life and career and that makes our Association proud to endorse (him) for another term as Dutchess County Executive,” said Patrick Cullen, president of New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, of Molinaro.
In a joint statement, CSEA Southern Region President Anthony Adamo and CSEA Dutchess County Local President Liz Piraino said, “As the largest union representing the Dutchess County workforce, we reiterate our strong support of Marc Molinaro in his campaign for another term as county executive. We are the union working with him every day, and to us the choice is clear.”
Other candidates who were endorsed by the Central Labor Council include incumbent Dutchess County Legislator Francena Amparo, Kenya Gadsden for Dutchess County Clerk and Richard Berube for Dutchess County District Attorney. Each candidate gave their own speeches before Ruggiero spoke to the crowd.
Both Ruggiero and his fellow candidates have a lot at stake. The Republican Party has maintained a stronghold in Dutchess County for decades. The county legislature currently has 14 Republicans and 11 Democrats. Five of its six of its county executives ran as Republicans.
