POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature adopted the 2023 County Budget on December 8 by an 18-7 vote, with Legislator Randy Johnson as the sole Democrat to vote in favor of the spending plan. Both Legislator Johnson (D-City of Poughkeepsie) and Chairman Gregg Pulver (R-Pine Plains) credit their bipartisan working relationship, and friendship, in explaining why Johnson joined the Republican majority in approving the budget. Pulver and Johnson have collaborated over the years to work toward finding solutions to major issues affecting the City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County.
Since approving the budget, Chairman Pulver and Legislator Johnson have been working with the administration to explain amendments made to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro’s Proposed Executive Budget and ensure their inclusion into the Adopted Budget.
The two men are working in a bipartisan effort on amendments including $1,000,000 for Agency Partnership Grants to address infrastructure projects for not-for-profit organizations, $200,000 for youth programming for at-risk youths between the ages of 14-18 for respite and parenting programs, and $200,000 for the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet.
“Legislator Johnson and I have worked closely together throughout the budget process. He came to me with some ideas and we were able to make it a reality for the City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County,” said Pulver. “I’m happy to work with everyone but only Randy stepped up to deliver for the City when other legislators simply wouldn’t.”
Two other Democrats, Craig Brendli and Barrington Atkins also represent portions of the City of Poughkeepsie. Pulver then said that Johnson and he have been explaining the amendments to Molinaro’s administration to ensure they aren’t removed from the plan. ” Just because the votes are over doesn’t mean the work is over,” Pulver exclaimed.
Legislator Johnson, a veteran lawmaker, said, “This budget wasn’t perfect- but with some targeted amendments to help youth, enhance police services and grants to our agency partners- I worked to get it to a place in which it will massively benefit the City of Poughkeepsie.” In addressing his Democratic colleagues that voted against the budget, Johnson said, “It’s unfortunate to see some of my colleagues remove themselves from the negotiation process. If you don’t build yourself a seat at the table, through relationships and trust, no one is going to speak for your constituents. I’m proud to be the only yes vote on the budget from the city.”
