The 2010 Town of Poughkeepsie Republican council members already broke their campaign promises and busted their own 2010 budget. Last November Republican Councilmen fell all over themselves with self-congratulatory praise because they made it seem as if they cut the budget, in part by outsourcing the legal department for less money and no benefits, and in part through accounting techniques. In their first meeting of this year Republicans voted to hire an attorney as a town employee with a salary of $169,000 per year and all benefits restored, negating the costs savings. The Republican councilmen made no apology for their shameful manipulation of the budget because it appears they had no intention to abide by it. It was merely political posturing.

Supervisor Myers admonished the councilmen and cautioned that the town may not be able to cover the additional legal expenses. The Republicans who control the Board 6-1 ignored her, much the way they ignored her on the purchase of the Casperkill Country Club and almost every other good governance issue which comes before the board.

These are still difficult times for many in the Town of Poughkeepsie but the Republican councilmen once again chose political patronage and cronyism over their fiscal responsibility. It is therefore no surprise that Supervisor Myers selected Rick Keller-Coffey as Town Deputy Supervisor. Keller-Coffey is a well respected and well qualified former County Legislator who understands today’s economic realities. We are lucky to have him in the position.

Gary Levine- Chair
Town of Poughkeepsie Democratic Committee
www.TownofPoughkeepsieDems.com