Dutchess Legislature to Support Hosting 2009 Empire State Games
The Dutchess County Legislature will consider a resolution in support of bringing the 2009 Empire State Games back to the county at the September legislative meeting, Chairman of the Legislature Gary Cooper announced.
Chairman Cooper said the resolution is a clear way for the Legislature to express support and enthusiasm for the games to return to Dutchess County. Organizers of the Empire State Games are currently considering the county for the 2009 contests.
&“We want it to be known that Dutchess County is ready and excited about the opportunity to host the 2009 Empire State Games,” said Chairman Cooper.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm in the Legislature for hosting the 2009 Empire State Games. We expect all legislators will also be very enthusiastic in supporting our legislation to help bring the games here,” added Beekman Legislator Gerald Hutchings.
The Empire State Games were held in the county in 2005. Legislators said the location of the county, effective transportation network, quality athletic fields, excellent restaurants and lodging and accommodations are clear attributes in the county’s favor. “Having the games come to Dutchess County would be a great boost to our tourism efforts and the local economy. We look forward to serving as host for the 2009 games,” said Lagrange Legislator Bob Sears.
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Dutchess Majority Legislators Say MTA Rate Hike Should Be Placed on Hold
Rate Hike Should be Delayed or Reduced as Congestion Pricing is Considered
Members of the Dutchess County Legislature’s Republican majority today announced their opposition to a proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority rate hike.
The proposed rate hike would impact Dutchess County residents who commute to the city, said members of the majority caucus. The rate hike is being considered at a time when state lawmakers are considering a congestion pricing plan that would also impact Dutchess County residents and commuters.
“The latest MTA rate hike will take a real bite out of the pockets of Dutchess County commuters, forcing them to pay even more for a basic and needed service,” said Legislator Rob Rolison, whose constituency includes parts of the City of Poughkeepsie, MTA’s northernmost stop on the Hudson River line.
“When you add the cost for gasoline, an MTA rate hike and possible congestion pricing, it adds up to a triple-whammy for Dutchess County residents and commuters. Our residents would unfairly bear the brunt of this increase,” added Legislator Tim Basting, (R-Dover).
Majority legislators said they would like to see a renewed effort by federal, state and New York City elected officials to increase funding to the MTA to help offset the increase and a renewed effort by the MTA to reduce the increase.
At the least, the MTA rate hike should be delayed until the full effects of a congestion pricing plan are known, said Legislator Gerald Hutchings (R-Beekman).
“An MTA rate hike, coupled with congestion pricing, could mean hundreds of dollars in new costs for Dutchess County commuters. That is simply too high of a cost for our residents,” Hutchings said.
Majority legislators said they will introduce legislation to be considered at the County Legislature’s September meeting asking the MTA to delay or reduce the amount of the proposed rate hike.
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Legislative Majority Set to Back Improved County Radio Dispatch System
Dutchess County – Members of the Republican majority in the Dutchess County Legislature are ready to support a resolution for the installation of an improved radio dispatch system for use by county emergency services.
The simulcast radio dispatch system will correct weak spots in radio reception by providing a stronger signal, and helping improve transmissions throughout the county for fire, ambulance and police agencies.
“The new radio dispatch system will improve emergency communications among first responders throughout the county and help save lives for years to come,” said Majority Leader Noreen Reilly (R-Hyde Park) whose sons serve as first responders in local fire and police departments.
The simulcast radio dispatch system will develop seven tower sites to create a unified system and produce a stronger signal.
“Once again Dutchess County is out in front of other counties in taking the lead to improve emergency response and the quality of life of county residents,” said City of Poughkeepsie Legislator Rob Rolison, a detective for the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.
The system employs state-of-the-art technology and has received strong support from emergency services officials across the county.
Republican legislators said their support for the project demonstrates their commitment to keeping public safety services strong in Dutchess County.
“The addition of this system demonstrates the strong partnership between Dutchess County government and the brave men and women who help protect lives and property everyday across the county,” said Legislator Suzanne Horn (R-Pleasant Valley). “Together we are doing our part to keep county residents and their families safe and sound.”
The proposal introduced by County Executive William Steinhaus calls for the bonding of $1.5 million. The system would be up and running during the latter half of 2008.
“While we are very watchful about spending, we believe the cost is reasonable,” said Public Works and Capital Projects Committee Chairman Gerald Hutchings (R-Beekman) whose committee is considering the bond resolution. “We also recognize the improved emergency response system will benefit everyone who lives and works in Dutchess County, particularly those in need who depend on emergency services.”
The legislation for the improved radio dispatch system will be considered at the August 9th 3:30pm Public Works committee meeting and the August 13th 6:00pm full legislature meeting.
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