Former Clinton supervisor honored for decades of service to town

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Town of Clinton's Ray Oberly, sitting on the bench crafted in his honor.

TOWN OF CLINTON – Former Town of Clinton Supervisor Ray Oberly was honored for his decades of service to the northern Dutchess town.  Oberly spent six years on the town’s zoning board prior to 22 years as town supervisor, in non-consecutive terms.

The 87-year-old Oberly, a Republican, is known as a true public servant including government service and his decades-long volunteer work with the local volunteer fire department.

Dozens of people, including Oberly’s children and grandchildren, gathered at town hall on Friday as Town Supervisor Michael Whitton, a Democrat, unveiled a wooden bench in front of town hall, dedicated to Oberly.

L-R Lori Brands, Ray Oberly, and the Hon James Brands

Whitton noted that Clinton Town Justice Jim Brands was instrumental in arranging for a local business to craft the bench in Oberly’s honor.  Brands spent years in the judiciary as a Dutchess County Family Court Justice before being elected as a Dutchess County Supreme Court Justice until reaching the mandatory age of retirement.  After being forced out by the state, Brands was elected to the town justice position in his hometown.  “Ray has dedicated his adult life to serving the residents of this town and I was honored to be able to bring this memorial idea to fruition,” said the judge who is known for avoiding the limelight.

Whitton told Mid-Hudson News that Oberly is a mentor and, regardless of party lines, has helped the freshman supervisor navigate the duties of the office.  Whitton told the crowd, “I want to thank Ray for his 30 years of dedicated service to the town,” calling him “a steady, reliable presence in town who is known to be a little rough around the edges.”

The humbled Oberly, after the bench was unveiled, apologized to those gathered.  “I’m not around as much as I used to be, but…I’m still around,” he said.  “I don’t make as many fire calls as I used to,” said the town elder.  Oberly, known for encouraging the public’s involvement, told the audience, “It’s your government and I encourage you to get involved as much as you can.”

Proclamations from State Senator Sue Serino and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro were presented to Oberly at the ceremony.  Marking the decades of public service by Oberly, Molinaro, in a rare occurrence, declared December 2, 2022, as “Ray Oberly Day” in Dutchess County.

Oberly served as Clinton Town Supervisor from January 1, 1992, until December 31, 1997, January 1, 2002, until December 31, 2007, and again from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2021.