POUGHKEEPSIE – The death of Dutchess County Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson created a vacancy that requires the Poughkeepsie Common Council to name a replacement to serve out the rest of the year in her place.
The majority of the common council is under Democratic control, the same party that the iconic Jeter-Jackson belonged to. By law, the common council posted a notice at the end of May seeking letters of interest from prospective replacements. Former county legislator Mario Johnson, Joash Ward, and political newcomer Barrington Atkins had all expressed interest in the post.
On Sunday, the council’s Democrats caucused to address budget cuts and to address the vacant legislative seat. Sources tell Mid-Hudson News that the Democrats unanimously selected Barrington Atkins to join the county legislature.
Atkins, a Poughkeepsie resident, is employed as a social worker for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. The Howard University graduate previously worked for the Poughkeepsie-based Mental Health America as a program specialist. He has been described as a hard-working man that has spent time on a per-diem basis working at the Dutchess County Stabilization Center.
Council Chairperson Sarah Salem did not return a request for comment.
