Candidate Profile 2023: Anthony M. LaRocco Jr. For Poughkeepsie Mayor

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Registered voters in the city of Poughkeepsie will be choosing a new mayor when they go to the polls Nov. 7.

Anthony M. LaRocco Jr., a Republican, and Yvonne Flowers, a Democrat, are vying to serve in the city’s top job.

LaRocco, 65, has served on the city of Poughkeepsie Zoning Board and is currently on the Historic Districdt and Landmark Preservation Commission.

He is a history and government teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes High School.

LaRocco has seven children and 13 grandchildren.

Campaign website: https://www.larocca4mayor.com

Patch submitted questions to both Poughkeepsie mayoral candidates. Here are LaRocco's responses.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office to improve the lot of all city residents. The city of Poughkeepsie can do better. I said that having an opposing voice is critical to our democracy. If one party rules, how can we be sure that they are telling the truth? I have said from the beginning that public safety is my No. 1 priority. We are in a public safety crisis. We need to properly fund the police and fire department. The city is not progressing in the right direction. It needs a leader who will bring back civility to the Common Council, accountability to the taxpayers of Poughkeepsie, and above all, the safety, security and the cleanliness they deserve.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

My opponent has had 12 years of experience, and where has that gotten the city of Poughkeepsie? 12 years of rising debt, a city that is crime-ridden and dirty, and leadership that is non-existent. The southern waterfront remains undeveloped, developers have been chased away, and the city residents are afraid to come to Main Street. What makes me different is my vision, determination and common sense attitude. My opponent is tied to the ideological agenda put forward by our present council. She is part of the problem; I am part of the solution.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

Public Safety…I sounded the alarm first, at the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast concerning public safety. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is at an all-time staffing crisis. The present council refuses to vote on an agreement that will retain experienced police officers. The police are understaffed and overworked. I intend to give the personnel of the City of Poughkeepsie Police and the Fire Department what they need and deserve. Not pay them lip service. The District Attorney’s office must prosecute individuals that are breaking the law in Poughkeepsie. The services for addiction and mental health issues are there. We need to direct individuals to these services.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I plan to address homelessness, affordable housing, addiction, the arts, work programs for our children and much more. The difference here is that I will approach each issue with a common sense approach and well-researched agenda. I will not be beholden to a political entity, nor will I be forced to solve these issues based on ideological principles. All people need help in this city.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My accomplishments of leadership, stewardship, direction and caring come at the hands of 16 years of experience in the field of education. Students look for leadership and direction all the time. That is my day! Yes, handling a day-to-day operation of students, buildings, emergencies and activities are not as daunting as running a city, the details are the same. Common-sense leadership is of the utmost importance. Good decisions lead to good results!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat people the way you want to be treated….Butch Anderson…former Dutchess County Sheriff.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Yes, raising the standards where the good and honest will prevail will lift this city from certain despair. I am a person of faith, and I believe that prayer and covenance are of great importance. I feel we should renew our sense of humanity. If you do pray, I recommend that we return to prayer. My positions and the ability to act on those positions rely on my ability to bring people together. I am not tied to a political ideology that preaches division. A vote for me is a common-sense vote. Vote for me on November 7th.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.