In 2025, we made history — electing the first Democratic majority in Dutchess County since 2009. As Assistant Majority Leader, I’ve been proud to lead that charge for Red Hook, Tivoli, and northern Rhinebeck.
Together, we:
Saved our county bus line for working families
Expanded mental health services in northwest Dutchess
Continued funding to cut ambulance response times
Doubled the housing trust fund to $2 million
Passed a homeless grant program for local communities
Voted 20-0 against the Chester federal immigration detention facility
Introduced a resolution to support the MELT Act to hold federal agents accountable
While Washington attacks our neighbors, our services, and our rights, Dutchess County is fighting back — and we’re just getting started.
This past Monday, the Dutchess County Legislature voted 20-0 to oppose the proposed federal immigration detention facility in Chester, Orange County. That’s right: unanimous, bipartisan, and unambiguous.
This is exactly the kind of bold, values-driven action I ran to be part of, and as Assistant Majority Leader, I’m proud that our new Democratic majority is making it happen. While Washington wages war on immigrants, their families, and the rule of law, we stood up and said: not here, not like this.
This facility would have foreseeable regional impacts on Dutchess County, straining our hospitals, emergency services, housing, mental health providers, and social service systems, all without a shred of transparency or coordination from federal authorities. The NYS DEC flagged unresolved environmental concerns, including floodplains, wetlands, and the Hudson River watershed. We weren’t given answers. We weren’t even asked.
But this isn’t just about logistics and infrastructure. Let’s be clear about what we actually voted against: illegal incarceration without due process. People are held indefinitely, with no legal protection, no oversight, and no accountability, and people, including children, are dying from lack of medical care. That is what this facility represents.
Dutchess County is the site of New York’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which we are sworn to uphold due process, accountability, and the rule of law. We don’t take that lightly.
The Democratic majority in this Legislature takes that oath seriously, and we are going to keep proving it.
This is what it looks like when local government fights back. Elections have consequences, and one of those consequences is a Democratic majority that will stand up for our immigrant neighbors, our constitutional values, and our community’s future.
We will keep showing up, keep passing resolutions, keep putting our values on the record, and keep pushing to make sure our neighbors can live, work, and raise their families without fear.
Stay engaged, stay loud, and thank you for making this majority possible.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge in Dutchess County. In this video, I discuss two important steps we’re taking to help reduce pressure on housing costs:
Releasing $7 million from the Housing Trust Fund
My appointment to the IDA/LDC to help direct incentives toward housing development
These actions are about increasing supply, supporting smart development, and making our communities more affordable. Thanks for watching — more updates soon.
The future of our nation is at the top of our minds. It can often crowd out everything else that’s going on. It’s tough to follow current events no matter who you are. And just when you think it can’t get worse, it does.
Thanks to those who stopped by today during my office hours at Taste Budd’s: some old friends and a couple of new ones! We discussed public transit, the new grant program for homeless initiatives I pushed through late last year, and shrinking enrollments in local school districts.
Dutchess County is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Red Hook Town Hall about the planned replacement of county bridge RH-16. What is bridge RH-16, you ask?
Budget time is over, and my homeless grant proposal was incorporated into the budget. Thank you to everyone who wrote in support – it was a huge help. We’re working hard, preparing for our new Democratic majority starting next month!
Excited to stand with 1199SEIU and Northwell workers today at Northern Dutchess Hospital. These workers keep our community healthy, and they deserve a fair contract. Union strong! ✊💜
Get important updates about Kris' campaign and county business
Hi! As your county legislator, I believe it is important to communicate with Red Hook and Tivoli about what is happening and give you the opportunity to weigh in with any thoughts or concerns you might have.
