Dutchess County Legislature Sworn In for New Term
Borchert Elected as New Chairman for 2016
Poughkeepsie, NY…The Dutchess County Legislature began the 2016-17 term this evening at the annual Organizational Meeting. The 25 member body, including nine newly elected legislators, were sworn in for the new term by Family Court Judge Joseph Egitto. Dale Borchert was elected in a bipartisan vote to serve as the next Chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature for 2016. In his Chairman’s Address, Borchert focused on the Legislature’s role as the responsible steward of taxpayer dollars; partnership with the City of Poughkeepsie to revitalize the City as an anchor for the region; and establishing a “Complete System of Justice” with critical policy decisions about the Dutchess County Jail. The full address can be viewed here.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the next Chairman of the Legislature. I look forward to working with my colleagues and County Executive Molinaro’s administration as we continue to build on the progress made over the last several years. It is an exciting time in Dutchess County and there are many opportunities and challenges before us. We must consider each issue carefully and work collectively to best serve all county residents.”
Borchert represents District 3 – the Town of LaGrange. He was first appointed as legislator in 2009, filling the seat vacated by the retirement of longtime representative Bob Sears. Borchert was re-elected for his fourth full term this past November. He has served in a variety of leadership roles during his tenure, including two years as the Majority Leader and four years as the Chairman of the Legislature’s Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee where he has been responsible for guiding the Legislature’s annual budget review process. Additionally, he has served on the Legislature’s Environment and Family & Human Services Committees, as well as the Legislature’s liaison to the Dutchess Community College Board of Trustees and the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority.
Outgoing Chairman of the Legislature and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor-elect Rob Rolison said, “Dale’s years of service as a legislator and his experience as Majority Leader and Chairman of the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee have prepared him well for the duties and responsibilities that come with being Chairman of the Legislature. I’ve had a great working relationship with Dale throughout my tenure as Chairman, and I’m confident his leadership, communication, and teamwork skills will provide a smooth transition for both new and returning legislators. I congratulate Dale o
n his new role, and I look forward to our continued partnership to help make our community and our county a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
County Executive Molinaro said, “Since joining the Dutchess County Legislature, Dale has shown the qualities of a good leader: He listens to every side and gathers as much information as possible before making an informed decision that will best serve the residents of this county. As the Chairman of the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee, Dale worked closely with our Budget Office to ensure comprehensive, balanced spending plans came before the Legislature – fiscal plans that kept much-needed services intact without raising taxes. Dale’s experience, both in the Legislature and in his community, will serve him well in his new leadership role. I congratulate Dale on his new post, and I look forward to working with him and the Legislature, as a whole, as we keep moving Dutchess forward.”
Borchert is the manager of a water quality laboratory in Hawthorne, NY. He is actively engaged in the community, serving as a Lay Leader for the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church and as a Merit Counselor for the Hudson Valley Boy Scouts Council. He is also a member of Mason Lodge #671 in Wappingers Falls.
He lives in LaGrange with his wife, Elizabeth, and two children, Kathy and Tom.
