Dear Friends:

As Election Day nears, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the city of Poughkeepsie the last few weeks. I love my city! We’ve held some wonderful events in the city recently, including a meet-and-greet at Queen City Lounge on Main Street, thanks to my new friend Carlos. And I was very excited about the upcoming NAACP debate this Thursday with my opponent, Sue Serino. However, I learned recently that Sue ignored the NAACP’s invitation to the debate. Let me be clear: she didn’t accept or decline the invitation to the debate. She flat-out ignored it.

That lack of respect is appalling. But I guess it makes sense, though. After all, Republicans have ignored the city of Poughkeepsie ( & Other municipalities) for the past 32 years.

I’ve lived in the city of Poughkeepsie for twenty years. I miss my heroes like Barbara Jeter-Jackson and Tree Arrington, who always seemed like giant oak trees of stability and compassion to me. But you know what? I’m excited to report we have new heroes in Poughkeepsie to take their place. And it doesn’t matter if you live in the city or not. We are all Poughkeepsie, and we can all rally to support these new heroes who are dedicated to making Poughkeepsie a better place to live.

Yvonne Flowers is the Democrat running to be the next Mayor of Poughkeepsie. Barrington Atkins is running for re-election to the Dutchess County Legislature to represent the city of Poughkeepsie. They both have Republican opponents this year. Friends, I don’t have to tell you what will happen if these Republicans somehow sneak their way into city leadership. It would be a disaster for the people of Poughkeepsie. We can’t let that happen.

As your next County Executive, I can’t wait to partner with heroes like Yvonne and Barrington to bring real change to Poughkeepsie. Think about it: for the first time in 32 years, we will have a county government that listens to the people of Poughkeepsie and will work proactively to find solutions to food insecurity, lead poisoning, and the homeless shelter debacle that has been facing the city for years.

This year, wouldn’t it be great if we elect the people with the best ideas, instead of the people with the richest friends?

Together, we can. With only a few days before early voting begins this Saturday, we must do everything we can to make that dream a reality. Imagine a Dutchess where our county leaders always put the health of our kids over the balance sheets of outside corporations. Imagine a Dutchess where seniors get the support they need to stay in their homes and afford their medication. And imagine a new Dutchess that listens to the people of Poughkeepsie, instead of ignoring them. That’s the Dutchess we want! And it’s within our reach if we just get out to vote this year.

With only a few days before early voting begins this Saturday, we must all do whatever we can to get out to vote and put an end to the culture of fear that has plagued our county for the last 32 years. There’s still time to knock on doors, talk to your neighbors, call some friends, and make your plan to vote. 

This election is so important for everyone in Dutchess County, but it’s especially important for the people of Poughkeepsie. We will not ignore my city, any longer.

Please consider making a final donation to our campaign using the secure Act Blue link below. We are so close, and we need your help to cross the finish line. Thank you for your support!

Thanks to Carlos and his crew at the Queen City Lounge on Main Street in Poughkeepsie for their amazing hospitality last week. We will return! In addition, thank you to the Northern Dutchess NAACP for inviting me to their debate this coming Thursday. I look forward to discussing issues with you!

And thank you, for listening. See you next time for one last letter before Election Day!

Respectfully,
Tommy Zurhellen a candidate that listens to the people