POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature is holding its Reorganizational Meeting on Monday at 6 pm in the legislative chambers at the County Office Building at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. 2026 marks a change in ideology after the Democrats won control of the 25-member body in November’s elections. The Democrats will hold 15 seats this year, while the Republicans will serve in the minority with 10 members.
Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson will administer the ceremonial oath of office to the lawmakers before they move to necessary undertakings, including electing the Chairperson of the Legislature, with 2025 Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith considered the frontrunner for the position, after securing the support of the Democratic caucus.
The potential controversy will arise when the Democrats use their majority influence to appoint Michael Treybich as Legislative Counsel. The Republicans contend that, in December 2021, the legislature appointed Lindars to replace the resigning Karen Hagstrom. Lindars was unanimously approved by the legislature to a two-year term, beginning January 1, 2022, and terminating December 31, 2024. At the December 13, 2024, meeting, GOP attorney Ian Lindars was reappointed to the position for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2025, and running through December 31, 2029.
The Democrats contend that the legislative counsel position is governed by the County Charter, which says the attorney serves at the will of the legislature, which overrides the previous resolution giving Lindars a five-year job. The agenda for Monday’s meeting includes a resolution naming Treybich as the official attorney. If Lindars refuses to accept the Dems’ interpretation of the charter, the matter will likely end up being decided by a judge.
Two positions, Senior Secretary and Secretary for the office, are Democratic appointments. Sources have told that one of those positions is being filled by former legislator and Democratic Elections Commissioner, Hannah Black. Of interest is that Valdés Smith backed Lisa Jessup, who challenged and beat Black during the last battle for Democratic Elections Commissioner.
The legislature will also vote on the positions of Clerk of the Legislature and Deputy Clerk, while the position of Assistant to the Chairperson is a Democratic appointment.
Julie Shiroishi, the former Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, who attempted to unseat Senator Rob Rolison a few years ago, is slated to fill one of the three positions. Town of Fishkill Councilman Greg Totino, who previously served as the Fishkill secretary to the supervisor, and Beacon Democratic Party activist Claire Masters are said to be filling the remaining positions.
Mid-Hudson News asked Legislator Valdés Smith on January 2nd for the list of appointees, their positions, and background information for the appointees, but did not receive the information before publication.
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