The race for District 25 : Kelsey promises more local presence

HARLEM VALLEY — Republican Michael Kelsey is making a first run at public office for Dutchess County Legislature’s 25th District, but he’s had plenty of experience in county politics.

Kelsey has previously served as an assistant to Gary Cooper, currently District 19’s legislator, when Cooper was chairman of the Legislature. Prior to that position he was an aide to state Assemblyman Joel Miller.

District 25 is comprised of the towns of Amenia and Washington and parts of Stanford and Pleasant Valley. Kelsey, a resident of Salt Point in Pleasant Valley, calls himself a “big-hearted conservative� who, like many residents of the district, is struggling to pay the bills.

“I want to make a difference,� Kelsey said in a phone interview. “Being a homeowner I’ve seen my county taxes go up 11 percent. We’ve got to reduce costs and reduce spending while still providing the essential services people need.�

Kelsey argued that the county is too involved in areas that it shouldn’t be, wasting taxpayer dollars. He pointed out the Board of Elections as a place where consolidation was needed, and that the emergency 911 and suicide services in Poughkeepsie could be consolidated into one building.

He also pointed out county jails as a source of problems, citing overcrowding and suggesting that options like relocating the sheriff’s headquarters could convert administrative offices to cells.

On the positive side, Kelsey said that the area covered by District 25 is “the most beautiful part of Dutchess County.� Despite the challenges that the county as a whole has been facing, the district has “preserved its identity, and that’s one thing that gives it appeal.�

A county legislator has “to listen and hear what the concerns of the people are,� Kelsey said. One area that he said he feels incumbent Margaret Fettes is lacking is her participation in local politics.

“I don’t think [she] is providing adequate representation,� he said. “I attend all of the board meetings and I don’t see her.�

Kelsey said he was admitted to the New York State Bar Association and has learned the law from being on the inside of both state and county government.

“I can hit the ground running,� he said. “I know what it means that people are hurting, and I believe that government can make a difference in people’s lives.�

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