Patch Candidate Profile 2023: Yvonne Flowers 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.

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

Flowers, 57, of the city of Poughkeepsie, has served almost eight years on the city of Poughkeepsie Common Council.

She has 33 years of experience at Dutchess Community College, managing multi-million-dollar grant budgets and preparing and submitting federal, state and county financial reports. She has served on community boards and committees and organized and hosted community events for more than 20 years with her father John Flowers.

Flowers has three children and seven grandchildren.

Campaign website: Flowers4mayor.com

Patch submitted questions to both mayoral candidates. Here are Flowers’ responses.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have made significant improvements as the 5th Ward councilmember. I work well with people in our community and diligently find ways to collaborate with others to find viable solutions to the challenges we face in our city. I want to now be in the city’s mayor position so I can take my community experience, my finance work experience and political experience and help make citywide improvements. The city is progressing in the right direction and I want to ensure our city continues to improve financially and physically. I want to see my hometown thrive and become the vibrant Queen City.

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

I have over 12 years of experience working in politics (eight years as a councilmember) and have built relationships in local and state government that will help with the advocacy that is needed to obtain the additional funding and resources we need for our city. I also have over 30 years experience in finance which is needed to help stabilize our city's finances and create strategies to help build our fund balance and increase our bond rating. I also have deep roots in our community and have been in the trenches tackling our many challenges throughout the years.

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

Public safety is the most pressing issue. I will continue to work with our police department to ensure they have the resources and technology they need to help keep the residents in our city safe. I will continue to support efforts that will continue to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community. I will also coordinate efforts with Dutchess County services to ensure those who are on our streets suffering with drug addiction and mental illness receive the services they need in order to improve their quality of life. As mayor, I will also work with our district attorney on ways we can improve the process of getting the serious criminals off the street and into the correctional facilities where they belong.

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

Affordable housing, better educational and employment opportunities for our youth and attracting more businesses to Poughkeepsie, especially on our waterfront.

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

I have served on the city's Finance Committee for five years and am currently the chair of the committee. I have worked closely with the current mayor and administration on finding creative ways to improve our city finances. Our hard work has helped the city receive an upgrade in their bond rating and reduce our deficit. During the pandemic, I worked closely with our police department and community organizations to help reduce the gun violence in the 5th Ward. While serving as co-chair of the Procedure Justice Committee, I helped create the Police Reform Plan, which was required by the NYS Governor's Office. I worked on the Anti-Blight Task Force which helped reduce the number of vacant properties in my ward (from 124 to less than 20) and helped increase homeownership due to my close relationships with our housing partners. I have made significant improvements in the 5th Ward by working closely with the following city departments: DPW, Code Enforcement, Police and Fire, Building and Planning.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Unity and respect for one another is the foundation of great outcomes.

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

The city of Poughkeepsie is my hometown. My children and grandchildren live here and we love our community. I have proven throughout the years that I am the person who will roll up my sleeves and get the work done. I will work diligently to not only protect our city but help it become the thriving city we all strive to see.

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