PINE PLAINS – Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, a Republican, has told Mid-Hudson News that he is forming a committee to explore a potential campaign to be the next Dutchess County Executive.
County Executive Marc Molinaro is currently running against Congressman Antonio Delgado to represent NY-19. If Molinaro is elected to Congress before his current term expires in 2023, William O’Neill, Molinaro’s Chief of Staff and Deputy County Executive will assume the role until a new county executive is elected in November of 2023.
During remarks he made last week before introducing Molinaro for the State of the County address, Pulver said that he “wants to be a leader.”
“I’ve always thought the county executive position is something that is attainable,” said Pulver who has a long history of public service. He spent 12 years as the Town of Pine Plains supervisor and has been on the county legislature for eight years, with four years as chairman.
Pulver acknowledged that there are other potential Republican candidates but said, “I’m fortunate to have my name on the short-list of potential candidates.”
The 40-year crop farmer has strong roots in his hometown where the Pulver family has been for 314 years. Chairman Pulver is a life member of the Pine Plains Fire Department and has served on the Dutchess Community College Board of Trustees in addition to several other boards and committees.
Touting his record as a lawmaker, Pulver lists the creation of the County Code of Ethics and Financial Disclosure law, the Independent Reapportionment law, Animal Abuse Registry law, Canine Tethering law, Right to Farm law, and capping the county gas tax as his notable accomplishments. He also cited the elimination of the county sales tax on clothing and footwear as an accomplishment that benefits county residents.
