POUGHKEEPSIE – Gregg Pulver was re-elected to chair the Dutchess County Legislature on Wednesday evening at its reorganizational meeting. The Pine Plains Republican was re-elected with ease after being nominated by fellow Republican Michael Polasek of LaGrange.
“This means a lot to me,” Pulver told Mid-Hudson News, as he outlined some of his goals for the new year.
“A lot of things we are doing right now are keeping the ship in the right direction. Pulver said one of his top priorities is to work on tax credits for Dutchess County volunteer firefighters and first responders.” Pulver is a life member of the Pine Plains Fire District.
“Northern Dutchess County has a history of electing chairmen of the legislature,” Pulver said. He noted that Republicans Harry Schroeder and Woody Klose both served as leaders of the body prior to Pulver. Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall of Dover Plains followed the Klose leadership and was present when Pulver was once again tapped to lead the 25-member body of lawmakers.
Pulver’s re-election was not unopposed.
Democrat Barrington Atkins, (City of Poughkeepsie) nominated his colleague, Democrat Craig Brendli, who also represents part of the city, to be chairman. The nomination was seconded by Minority Leader Yvette Valdes Smith, who represents part of Fishkill and Beacon.
With two candidates vying to chair the body, lawmakers cast their votes, with the exception of Democrats Randy Johnson, Giancarlo Llaverias, and Brennan Kearney, along with Republican Alan Surman of eastern Dutchess, resulting in Pulver’s re-election.
Democrat Randy Johnson, who represents a portion of the City of Poughkeepsie lamented over his absence. “I was unable to attend due to a long-standing vacation,” Johnson said. “If I was there, I would have cast my vote for Pulver because, despite our political differences, we continue to work toward improving the quality of life in the City of Poughkeepsie, and that is why I am here.”
After his successful re-election, Pulver told Mid-Hudson News that he has no plans to retire from the position. “I am honored to do this,” he said. “When it becomes no longer fun then I will leave – but right now I’m still having fun and I enjoy helping people,” said Pulver the Pine Plains cattle farmer.
