POUGHKEEPSIE – A cryptic message on social media has resulted in speculation that Poughkeepsie Councilman from the First Ward, Chris Petsas, is mounting a campaign for the city’s councilperson-at-large seat currently held by Sarah Salem. The winner of the at-large seat becomes the chairperson of the nine-member legislative body.
While Petsas indicated his dissatisfaction with the “animosity” among council members and council leadership and the mayor’s office, he would not confirm or deny a possible run for the council’s top post.
Due to recently enacted term-limit legislation, Petsas, entering his eighth year on the council, is not eligible to run for the position again in November of this year.
The social media announcement said in part “It has been an honor and privilege to serve this city for the last seven years and though term-limited, I am not done serving this city and its residents – too much is at stake.” Petsas alluded to a formal announcement in the coming weeks. “On Wednesday, January 27th I will be making a formal announcement regarding my intentions to launch a city-wide campaign to continue the important work of moving our city, each and every neighborhood, from the Southside to the Northside forward.”
He told Mid-Hudson News that he is “deeply concerned of the divisions that exist among the council members as well as the deep divide between the administration and current council leadership. “
In his eight years on the council, “I have not seen or felt the animosity that currently exists. This type of division is not helpful in moving our city forward. In fact, with separate lawsuits now flying between city developers, the mayor and council, continuing with current state of affairs is not an option.”
He said the city needs “leadership that unites us, inspires us and most importantly respects each side.”
