POUGHKEEPSIE – Tonight (Monday) begins the 2026 term of the Dutchess County Legislature, and marks a return of the Democratic Party to the majority of the 25-member body. The Democrats, with a 15-10 majority over Republicans this year, have not held the majority of the legislature since 2008.
With the majority, the Democrats can appoint their own loyalists to certain positions in the legislature, including legislative attorney, clerk and deputy clerk of the legislature, assistant to the chairperson, senior secretary and secretary for the legislature.
An argument is expected when the Democrats seek to replace Legislative Attorney Ian Lindars with Michael Treybich.
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 serves at the will of the legislature, which overrides the previous resolution giving Lindars a five-year job. If Lindars refuses to accept the Dems’ interpretation of the charter, the matter will likely end up being decided by a judge.
Julie Shiroishi, the former Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, who attempted to unseat Senator Rob Rolison a few years ago, is being appointed to the position of Clerk of the Legislature and Town of Fishkill Councilman Greg Totino, who previously served as the Fishkill secretary to the supervisor, is being tapped for the Deputy Clerk of the Legislature role.
Two positions, Senior Secretary and Secretary for the office, are also Democratic appointments. Sources have told that one of those positions is being filled by former legislator and Democratic Elections Commissioner, Hannah Black. Black had sought the Democratic Party’s support for another term as commissioner in 2024, but withdrew from the race about six weeks before the party vote. Her Deputy Commissioner, Diane Nash, announced her candidacy 10 days later but lost to current commissioner, Lisa Jessup.
The Assistant to the Chairperson position, a Democratic appointment, is going to be filled by Beacon Democratic Party activist Claire Masters.
asked Legislator Valdés Smith, expected to become Chair of the Legislature, on January 2nd for the list of appointees, their positions, and background information for each, but did not receive the information before publication.
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