Dutchess County convenes first Independent Reapportionment meeting

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POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced the first meeting of the newly appointed Independent Reapportionment Commission will be held on February 25, 2021. The commission is responsible for drawing legislative district boundaries following the decennial federal census as required by the Dutchess County Charter. The meeting will be held remotely on Zoom at 3:00 p.m. and the public is invited to watch online at https://zoom.us/j/96374670047 or listen via phone at (929) 205-6099 (Webinar ID: 963 7467 0047). This week, commission members will officially select a chairperson for the commission from within their ranks. 

Molinaro said, “This independent commission, along with the previously established ethics code and term limits, will provide continued transparency and best serve the residents of Dutchess County. The commission will proceed free from political influence or legislative authority to ensure a fair unbiased representation for our residents.”

The Commission consists of seven members, two selected by the Dutchess County Legislature’s Majority Leader, two selected by the Legislature’s Minority Leader, and three selected by the first four members. The members are:

  • Dale Culver, 
  • Hance Huston, 
  • Richard Keller-Coffey, 
  • Whitney Lundy, 
  • John Pelosi, 
  • Keri Peterson, and
  • Christina VanHorne.

These seven individuals were selected from a pool of over 170 qualified volunteer applicants from across the county who were registered voters in Dutchess County, not employed by, nor have been for at least three years prior, elected officials, New York State, Dutchess County, or any town, city, or village in the County, nor are these individuals members of any political committee. 

Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver said, “I’m truly thankful for these seven civic-minded volunteers. The work they will do over the coming months will be extremely valuable to our community and go a long way in helping ensure fair and honest representation in our County’s legislature.”

The Dutchess County Independent Reapportionment Commission’s creation was a shared goal of County Executive Molinaro and Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver dating back to 2019. Following the passage of the local law resolution by the County Legislature, Dutchess County residents approved the resolution on Election Day, November 3rd, 2020 and County Executive Molinaro then signed the resolution into law.

For more information on the Commission, visit the Independent Reapportionment Commission’s website on dutchessny.gov. Residents are encouraged to watch the Commission’s meetings and all public comments must be submitted to the Commission in writing. Written comments may be submitted online via the Independent Reapportionment Commission Comment Form (dutchessny.gov) or by mailing to Independent Reapportionment Commission c/o County Attorney, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie NY 12601.




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