Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Tommy Zurhellen For Dutchess County Exec

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — Voters in Dutchess County will be picking a new county executive when they go to the polls Nov. 7.

Democrat Tommy Zurhellen, 54, of Poughkeepsie, is vying for the position against former state senator Sue Serino.

Zurhellen is an associate professor of English at Marist College. His previous experience includes being a nuclear electrician for the United States Navy.

He serves on the boards of Hudson River Housing and Grace Smith House and is the chairman of Marist College’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

Campaign website: tommy4dutchess.com

Patch sent questions to both candidates for Dutchess County executive. Here are Zurhellen's answers.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to be Dutchess County's first Democratic county executive in 32 years because I feel someone needs to step up and implement a change in priorities. For too long the status quo has worked for the wealthy and well-connected while the unhoused, hungry and middle class have been increasingly marginalized. I will introduce a new budget more appropriate for working-class Dutchess residents, local industry and the marginalized. I will practice transparency, eschew backroom deals and be personally responsive to residents' needs and concerns.

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

While I respect my opponent and have worked with her in past endeavors when she served in the state senate, she is weak on the policies necessary to institute real progressive change in Dutchess County. Another difference is in financial support. While my grassroots campaign has never accepted a cent from corporate lobbyists or the ultra-wealthy, my opponent has accepted thousands from them. My opponent has never expressed any indication she plans to run the county government differently, whereas I plan to institute real financial and policy reforms.

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

The lack of affordable housing, particularly workforce housing, is the most pressing issue. We can't expect to maintain a viable workforce without ample workforce housing. To address it, I intend to implement a supplemental voucher program separate from Section 8 support. Rent in Dutchess County exceeds the fair market rent, so the voucher program would bridge the gap between Section 8 support and the actual cost of living. The Dutchess Housing Trust already has money to implement this, so no county resident will see an increase in taxes to defray it. This will require working with county municipalities to modify their zoning laws.

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

1. Many of the county's children live in food deserts. A solution is to support local farms to make a positive impact on the health of the communities. I met with several local farmers this summer to discuss the issues facing them as they struggle to adapt to climate change and continue providing the necessary agriculture vital to the local economy.
2. When they graduate, our young people need career opportunities here at home, which is why I will partner with BOCES and Dutchess Community College to expand their workforce training programs. I will work with the NYS Regional Economic Development Council to bring more good-paying green and union jobs to Dutchess County. In addition, I support tuition-free enrollment in Dutchess Community College for Dutchess County residents.
3. As a well-known veteran advocate in our community helping our heroes find the services they need, I will work to expand veteran outreach programs so all our heroes — including those in rural parts of the county — can get the support they deserve.
4. Though we might consider our air clean, the American Lung Association gave Dutchess County a “D” rating. I oppose the continued use of the Poughkeepsie solid waste incinerator, which is expensive and adds pollution to our air. I will advocate for its conversion into a composting/recycling facility, costing Dutchess taxpayers less, providing hundreds of good-paying jobs and ensuring we enjoy a healthier environment.
5. I will work with Rep. Pat Ryan to put some of the federal government's infrastructure money toward remedying the lead pipe infrastructure in the city of Poughkeepsie poisoning our residents, particularly children.

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

I cite my role as a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, a higher-education administrator, board member and founder of the nonprofit organization VetZero.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always follow through on what you promise.

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

I plan to donate all four years of my county executive salary to organizations fighting food insecurity.