PLEASANT VALLEY – Town Supervisor Mary Albrecht is calling for the resignation of Pleasant Valley Highway Superintendent John Baxter, following his conviction on earlier this week. Baxter was convicted in LaGrange Town Court after a camera had been discovered under the desk of Baxter’s secretary in the highway department office in August 2025.
When the camera was discovered, the town board asked Baxter to resign from his elected position, and he declined, opting instead to take a . The leave of absence was taken on August 4, 2025, and he was arrested by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office on August 11, 2025.
Albrecht issued a statement to the town residents on Wednesday, reiterating her call for Baxter to resign from his position. Under state law, the town board cannot remove an independently elected official from office. The process for removing a highway superintendent under New York State law requires either the district attorney or a resident to file an application with the regional appellate court seeking removal.
“Given the court’s findings and the seriousness of these convictions, I believe it is in the best interest of the Town of Pleasant Valley that John Baxter resign from the position of Highway Superintendent effective immediately,” Albrecht stated. Albrecht believes Baxter’s removal is imminent, saying, “It is the Town’s position now, given the verdict, that Mr. Baxter’s appointment has been terminated by operation of law upon conviction,” adding, “The Town will promptly confirm the end of his appointment given this development (conviction).”
Baxter was a member of the Pleasant Valley Fire District at the time of his arrest and submitted his resignation to the district shortly thereafter.
Baxter won in 2023, running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, receiving 1,384 votes. He was opposed by Brian Aldrich, the Republican and Conservative candidate, who received 1,350 votes.
Supervisor Albrecht said the decision to seek Baxter’s removal is not based on politics or personal beliefs. “It reflects the responsibility we have to uphold the integrity of public office and maintain the standards of conduct expected by the residents we serve.”
Baxter did not respond to a Mid-Hudson News request for comment.
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