HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Republican Chris Rolison, the son of State Senator Rob Rolison, has announced his campaign for a seat on the Dutchess County Legislature.
Rolison’s father served as a county legislator, chairman of the legislature, and City of Poughkeepsie mayor prior to being sworn in as senator earlier this month.
Chris Rolison is the grandson of the late New York State Senator Jay Rolison.
The 31-year-old married father of a young daughter is seeking to represent the people of the new 23rd legislative district in the county which includes portions of the towns of Pawling, Beekman, and East Fishkill.
“As a police officer, I want to extend my public service to the best of my ability and continue Dutchess County down the right path. We must fight inflation the best that we can. As a police officer, knowing firsthand the effect of crime and what bail reform has done, we must change it” he said.
Rolison currently serves as a sergeant with the New Castle Police Department. He previously served with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. His nearly decade-long career in public service includes experience with investigative policing, training, community policing, school security, and youth outreach.
During his time in law enforcement, Rolison has been the recipient of several awards and commendations, including two Life-Saving Awards. One award was received after he intervened in an attempted suicide with positive results while the second award was for the successful revival of a person who had overdosed on a narcotic.
Rolison has also been actively involved in efforts to bring law enforcement and the community together. With a focus on at-risk youths, he has also been very active in helping victims of domestic violence.
“My entire life has centered around serving the public and I believe the best way for me to continue and extend my love for public service is to serve the people of the 23rd District and Dutchess County as a member of the Legislature,” Rolison said. The first-time candidate has begun engaging voters in the district to determine what issues are most pressing for the taxpayers at the county level. “I look forward to beginning my campaign and earning the support of voters, as I listen to their concerns and share my ideas on how I can best serve,” he said.
The sworn police officer, a career path also taken by his father, noted that crime continues to be a major issue across New York. “Crime is a major issue across our entire state and, ” We here in Dutchess, aren’t immune to it. We must support our men and women who put on the uniform to ensure that our communities are safe.” Rolison also plans to address issues regarding inflation and rising costs, with a vow to help cut costs in Dutchess County wherever possible.
