Valdés Smith, who represents part of Beacon, becomes chair
Democrats inaugurated their new majority in the Dutchess County Legislature on Monday (Jan. 6) by electing Yvette Valdés Smith, who represents Ward 4 in Beacon and part of Fishkill, as their new chair.
Five of the party's candidates beat Republican incumbents in November to flip what had been a 15-10 majority in favor of the GOP. The wins gave Democrats, who now hold 15 seats, control of the Legislature for the first time since 2008. Valdés Smith ascends from minority leader to chair.

"We will make Dutchess a county that works for all, not just for some," she said. "We deserve affordable, safe, equitable and supportive communities throughout our great county, and we are committed to stewarding in an era of progress, growth and sustainability."
County Executive Sue Serino, a Republican who will have to work with a Democrat-led Legislature for the first time since being elected in 2023, issued a statement congratulating Valdés Smith. She said that Dutchess has, for the first time, women simultaneously holding her seat and chairing the Legislature.
"I look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship as she steps into this new leadership role," said Serino.

Democrats also appointed Julie Shiroishi as clerk of the Legislature. A Beacon resident, Shiroishi is a former chief of staff for Assembly Member Jonathan Jacobson and former candidate for the state Senate seat held by Rob Rolison. Gregory Totino, a Fishkill Town Board member, was named deputy clerk.
After November's election, the party announced that Barrington Atkins, a City of Poughkeepsie legislator and assistant minority leader, was chosen to be majority leader. Kristofer Munn, who represents Red Hook in the Legislature, was elected assistant majority leader.
The Democrats introduced a resolution to replace the Legislature's attorney, Ian Lindars, who was reappointed on Dec. 13 to a five-year term, with Michael Treybich. It passed, 15-10, along party lines.
The Democrats also appointed Clara Masters, a Beacon resident, as assistant to the chair.

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