POUGHKEEPSIE – The eight Democrats on the 25-member legislature are demanding that Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro enforce the CDC mask mandate in the County Office Building in Poughkeepsie. A previous attempt to have Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver require masks in legislative chambers was unsuccessful. The account of the first attempt can be found HERE.
On Monday, the Democratic Minority Leader Yvette Valdés-Smith issued a statement announcing that the caucus is requesting Molinaro to enforce the mandate. The request, sent last week, was also issued to Health Commissioner Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado.
Valdés Smith said, “we’re in a surge and need to take all available measures to protect Dutchess County residents. The more people wear masks, the fewer people get infected. Health officials nationwide and here in our own County encourage mask-wearing to keep all of us safe, particularly the elderly, the very young, and the medically vulnerable people in our communities.”
“This is basic health guidance,” said Assistant Minority Leader Barrington Atkins (D-10). “We are hopeful the County Executive and Health Commissioner will help ensure that our legislative work can proceed in a safe environment by enforcing mask-wearing when we next convene on January 14.”
Dutchess County Communications Director Colleen Pillius responded to Mid-Hudson News, saying, “As you know, the Dutchess County Legislature is a separate and independent branch of county government, so your inquiry is best directed to the County Legislature Chairman. My understanding is that legislators who attend in person for the Legislature’s upcoming meetings, with the next being the committee meetings on Thursday, January 10th will be wearing masks.”
Recently re-elected to his fifth one-year term as chairman of the Legislature, Gregg Pulver said “County Executive Marc Molinaro has no authority to enforce it (masks in chambers). We are a separate branch of government.”
“All legislators were given the option to participate in the meeting remotely through video. Many exercised that option. I informed all legislators that they were to wear masks when not seated or able to maintain six feet of distance. I am happy to report that that goal achieved 100 percent compliance. Three legislators, including myself, removed our masks while seated and over six feet apart. This is the guidelines we have operated under for months and last week was the first we heard of it.”
Dutchess County has created a COVID Dashboard that provides updated information on infection rates, hospitalizations, and more. It can be found by clicking HERE.
