Candidate Profile: Republican Rob Rolison For Senate District 39

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials.

In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles before election day Nov. 8.

Rob Rolison, 64, of the city of Poughkeepsie, is running on the Republican Party line to represent Senate District 39 against Julie Shiroishi, who will appear on the Democratic Party line in the November general election.

The newly redrawn Senate District 39 is comprised of the northeast corner of Orange County, most of southern Dutchess County and western Putnam County.

Website

robrolison.com

Education

Marist College, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice

Occupation

Mayor, City of Poughkeepsie

Family

Married to wife Lori. One son.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Father, Jay P. Rolison Jr., served in the state Senate.

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Mayor, City of Poughkeepsie, 2016-present; Dutchess County Legislature (Town of Poughkeepsie), 2003-2015; Dutchess County Legislature Chair, 2010-2015.

Why are you seeking this office?

Let’s not mince words. Extreme politicians have taken New York from the Empire State to a national embarrassment. Albany is a mess. Spending is out of control as families struggle with skyrocketing taxes and the nationwide affordability crisis. To make matters worse, New York’s radical and dangerous bail laws have led to an increase in crime and chaos across our state and into nearly every neighborhood and community.

I’m running for New York State Senate to bring the kind of reasonable and responsible leadership we need to the state capitol. It’s the type of leadership voters and taxpayers have come to expect from me. And it’s been the cornerstone of my success as an elected official and public servant for over four decades.

And with a 26-year law-enforcement career, 14 years as a detective, former PBA President and Volunteer Firefighter, I have the experience and knowledge to address the problem of rising crime and ensure our crime fighters and first responders get the tools they need to keep us safe.

This is a crucial time for our state, and we must elect representatives who share our values and know how to get things done during a crisis. That’s why I’m running for New York State Senate: Because the stakes are too high and the mission is too important.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents and the entire state of New York is the affordability crisis. New Yorkers who aren’t fleeing for other states are stuck footing the bill for Albany’s dysfunction and out-of-touch policies. Here’s what I intend to do about it.

Upon taking office as City of Poughkeepsie mayor in 2016, I inherited a city in severe economic distress. Our team very quickly and successfully turned the city around — reducing the general fund deficit by $10 million and saving the city from the brink of economic disaster. I helped restore confidence in city government among Poughkeepsie’s hardworking residents. At the same time, I spearheaded key infrastructure projects to create better streets and sidewalks, made critical investments in our water and sewer systems, and achieved the most ambitious and comprehensive improvements to our city parks on record.

During my career in public service, I have consistently been a champion for fiscal discipline, holding the line on taxes in both the City and Dutchess County, while still delivering much-needed critical services. I have also been a committed fighter against unfunded mandates, something that the state of New York pushes down to local governments. We need to make New York more affordable so more families and individuals aren’t forced to leave. I will be your advocate and voice in Albany, just as I’ve been for more than two decades at the county and city levels.

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

Experience and leadership. This is a crucial time for our state and we must elect representatives who share our values and know how to get things done during a crisis. I’ve been a Police Officer, a Crisis Negotiator, a County Legislator, a Mayor and more. I also helped lead the City of Poughkeepsie through the public health crisis of COVID-19. My record ensures that our Hudson Valley values will have a strong advocate and effective voice in Albany.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The 39th State Senate district is a new district and therefore an open seat.

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

I will tackle the crime epidemic head-on. The bottom line is that New York’s radical and dangerous cashless bail laws threaten public safety. Public safety is the first priority of any government and it is clear to me that Albany does not see it that way.

Other important issues include the mental health crisis, access to state funds and aid to local government, and the opioid and fentanyl epidemic. As a member of the New York Conference of Mayors, I understand the critical importance of delivering additional state aid to the municipalities that are providing the services our residents need. The decisions that local governments must make have the most impact on people, and Albany should learn to act more like local government and put partisan politics aside.

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

• Restored confidence in City of Poughkeepsie government that was sorely lacking.
• We saved the City of Poughkeepsie from the brink of economic disaster and led a turnaround effort that cut the deficit by more than $10 million and:
• Created responsible budgets that held the line on taxes and preserved important services.
• Saved taxpayer money through consolidated and shared services and made the government more responsive to the needs of its residents.
• Advocated for essential programs for our seniors, veterans, youth and victims of domestic violence.
• Partnered with the Poughkeepsie City School District in 2020 to form the Children’s Cabinet, a cradle-to career strategy to help our kids reach their full potential.
• Worked across the aisle, creating partnerships and collaboration to get things done that the public depends on us to do.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

From my mom and dad, be respectful of others. Not everyone is going to share your voice or have the same opinion. From my dad: As a public servant, I learned that you represent everyone — and that is the only way you will be successful as an elected official.

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

I care deeply about the people of this state and our shared future. My experience as an elected official and law enforcement officer with a record of getting things done using common sense and collaboration is exactly what we need in Albany today. I humbly ask for your vote for 39th District State Senate on November 8.