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County challenges even-year voting
POUGHKEEPSIE — The Dutchess County Legislature passed a resolution authorizing the use of $100,000 of taxpayer funds to challenge a state Senate bill designed to increase voter turnout and save money in local elections by moving some local elections to even-numbered years.
On Tuesday, April 9, the county legislature voted for the resolution 14-7, along party lines, with the Republican majority voting for the appropriation. Proponents of the appropriation claim that the state’s action is a violation of home rule.
The law in question
Governor Kathy Hochul signed senate bill S3505B, which moves certain local elections to even numbered years, into law last December. It was the latest version of a bill that has been in the works since January 2023; earlier versions have been brought in nearly every session since at least 2013.
“Aligning local elections with general elections has been proven to be one of the single most effective ways to not only reduce the turnout gaps by race and age, but also to improve governance outcomes so that local governments are better reflective of the will of their constituents,” said Harvard Law School’s Election Law Clinic in a statement applauding the measure.
At the signing, Hochul noted that the statewide turnout in the 2020 election was 64% of registered voters, compared to 25% for local elections in 2021.
2020 was a presidential election, so a comparison to the state, local and gubernatorial elections of 2022, which had a 43% turnout, is also worth noting — as is the 18% percent statewide voter turnout in 2023 local elections.
“When elections are held in odd-numbered years, away from the traditional election cycle that voters are most familiar with, the cost of participating in the democratic process is increased, particularly for voters who may have a difficult time arranging for time off of work and traveling to their polling site,” explained the Governor’s office in a statement. “By consolidating more elections in even-numbered years when most voters are already planning to participate in an election, this change will increase voter participation in important local races.”
In Dutchess County, voter turnout was 78% in 2020, but fell to 34% for elections held in 2021 and 2023. In addition to dramatically increasing voter turnout for municipal and local elections, it would also save local taxpayers money, proponents have noted.
At the signing, Gov. Hochul underscored the point, saying, “Every eligible New Yorker deserves the right to participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers. By signing this legislation, we are taking a significant step towards expanding access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive democracy.”
The law consolidates all elections into even years, though legislators are working on an amendment to the state constitution that would make that possible. Until then, all local elections in New York City and all elections for city and village positions, school board seats, judges, county sheriffs, clerks and district attorneys will continue to take place on odd-numbered years.
Dutchess County’s challenge
By moving certain elections to even-numbered years, the new law amended the town law, the village law, the county law, and the municipal home rule law of several constituencies, including the Dutchess County charter, which specifically states that local elections must take place during odd-numbered years.
“The charter, which was enacted by the residents of the county, specifically states that elections for county offices are to be held in odd-numbered years,” said Majority Leader Deirdre Houston (R-District 25), who represents Amenia, Millbrook, Washington and Pleasant Valley. “New York State decided to unilaterally change the mode of our elections without so much as consulting the voters of Dutchess County.”
“I made it clear the day I became chairman that we would fight this unconstitutional power grab with any available measure,” said Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt (R-Hyde Park). “Every member of the legislature swore an oath at our Organizational Meeting in January to uphold the county charter. We simply cannot sit idly by as the state attempts to circumvent the very charter that we all swore to uphold.”
Other proponents of the lawsuit have said that the new law would actually cost more money, requiring the hiring of more election staff on even-numbered years, rather than saving money longterm by decreasing staffing and other needs on odd-numbered years. They have also voiced concerns that if local elections are held in even-numbered years, national issues and national partisanship will overshadow local concerns. In general, however, statements explaining the suit have mostly adhered to concerns about “home rule.”
Describing the changes as “monumental,” Houston said, “in my view, [the new law] represents a blatant disregard for the people of Dutchess County and their desire for local control.”
Proponents of the law have accused the county’s Republican legislators of being politically motivated, and say that they are acting to protect the party’s edge in local elections, which could be at risk if voter turnout increased.
“This is a waste of money. The County budget is extremely tight due to years of budget mismanagement, and there are more important needs in our community that must be addressed first,” said Chris Drago (D - District 19), who represents North East, Stanford, Pine Plains, Milan and Red Hook.
“We need to be investing in vital needs for our community: EMS, transportation, mental health and keeping Cornell Cooperative Extension’s door open so they can continue to support agriculture, and environmental and Youth Services for our community.”
He continued: “This is the first major issue that this legislative body has taken up since we took office, and it’s about limiting voter turnout.” He added, “It’s embarrassing.”
Onondaga and Nassau Counties have also filed challenges, listing similar concerns; the Oneida County legislature has also authorized a potential lawsuit. All three legislatures have a Republican majority.
Dutchess County’s budget appropriation of $100,000 is expected to be enacted by County Executive Sue Serino.
If the law survives challenges by Dutchess and other counties, which it is expected to do, officials elected after Jan. 1, 2025 will serve shortened terms.
Dutchess County legislators, who typically serve two-year terms and were last elected in November, will run for re-election in 2025, but serve terms concluding in 2026. The next election for Dutchess County executive, normally a four-year position, would take place in 2027, then again in 2030.
Breakfast with the Sheriff
The pancake breakfast at American Legion Post 178 in Millerton on Sunday, April 14, a fundraiser for Sheriff Kirk Imperati, who is running for reelection, was packed with people and politicians from all over Dutchess County. It was organized by Bruce Flynn of Millerton. Left to right, Sheriff Imperati, Flynn and Undersheriff Jason Mark.
FALLS VILLAGE, Conn. — Early spring on a New England produce farm is like watching a pot come to a boil -— flower buds adorning tree limbs swell ever so slightly each day; overwintered spinach leaves expand almost imperceptibly over the course of a week; fall-planted garlic cloves sprout small green shoots up through mulched beds.
No matter how intently you watch, the pot does eventually boil and spring does reliably arrive. Unlike a pot on a hot stove though, you can’t simply turn the dial to max when impatience gets the better of you, and the signs of progress often come in fits and starts rather than a steady increase.
Seeds won’t sprout in chilly soil. If you plant seedlings on a warm day, they won’t survive the cold one that follows. Farmers get to know the preferences of our crops well, and we look for signs that the ground is ready for each one’s unique needs — when dandelions bloom, it usually means the soil is warm enough to plant potatoes; pea seeds can go in when daffodils and forsythia are in full display; the warmer season crops will go in when there is not longer a single frost in sight on the forecast.
On warm sunny days, customers ask us whether we’re harvesting yet and I don’t blame them — there is so much vibrance in the seventy-degree spring air. But the season keeps whipping around to days of rain with temperatures hovering around freezing, and we all try to find solace in the few crocuses adapted to these fickle conditions. Growing produce in a climate as seasonal as ours requires farmers to stay poised like a cat leaning into its haunches — ready for the moment when spring really gains momentum.
At Adamah Farm in Falls Village, Conn., we’ve been heating a greenhouse since March to start seedlings. Having big, healthy transplants to put in the ground when the weather settles is an important season extension method. It is a bit like time travel to go in there and see pepper plants putting on leaves and tomato seeds sprouting. The endeavor of coaxing them through this season’s volatility has required an unwavering belief that the pot will, eventually, boil.
We germinate seeds on heat mats while days of gray skies prevent the passive solar warmth that otherwise makes a greenhouse so valuable. When the power went out on Johnson Road two weeks ago, the crew spent a very exciting hour shuttling plants from the greenhouse into an onsite building with a generator through a starless evening of sleet and high wind. When our CSA members, who sign up for regular boxes of produce this season, are grilling eggplant for a July barbecue with coleslaw and fresh herbs, it will be thanks to our winter crew who cared so doggedly for the young plants.
Members of the winter crew at Adamah Farm, Imogen Lubin, Miki Benson, and Denean Ritchie, enjoy some signs of resilience through this season’s volatile weather — a leek that managed to survive the winter and a six-leaf clover!Janna Siller
Farmers in our region are bringing this spirit of resilience and nimble adaptation in responding to a changing climate. Here at Adamah, that means watching with curiosity as our fields emerge from winter a bit differently than most springs after a milder than average winter — ponds that area residents have skated on for generations remained unfrozen and there were some balmy February days that had us all in t-shirts.
Records from Cornell University’s Northeast Regional Climate Center echo what we’ve been experiencing in real time — the region had a warmer than average winter again, with average temperatures ranging up to 8 degrees warmer depending on location.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated its “Hardiness Zone Map,” the guidance growers use to understand which plants are well adapted to their climate. Our region shifted one zone warmer, and we are seeing the effects on our vegetable fields here in Falls Village.
Every fall, we plant cover crops at Adamah — plants that regenerate the soil over winter. We plant some that are meant to survive the winter and keep growing in spring to hold the soil in place, build life-giving biomass in the soil, and provide habitat for beneficial organisms on the farm. Others are plants not adapted to survive sustained cold, so they contribute their benefits in the early winter and then die back and become mulch for spring crops. This winter, many of those cover crops that were meant to “winter-kill” survived, and we’ve been recalibrating our field plans to adapt.
Staying agile enough to work within the constraints and opportunities provided by the seasons is part of what keeps farming exciting year to year. Whether they are milking cows, planting trees, or growing salad greens, your local farmers generally could do with a few less curve balls than we’ve had of late.
To learn more about Adamah Farm or join the vegetable CSA, a subscription program for fresh, organic produce, go to fvcsa.adamah.org.
NORFOLK — Manor House Inn has been awarded a Connecticut Green Lodging Certification, and will re-open just in time for Earth Day.
When Rachel Roth and her husband bought the 125+ year-old inn in February 2022, the property was in need of considerable repairs They spent the first seven months balancing accommodating guests and updating the property. Roth’s son worked hard restoring much of the interior space, patching walls, painting, and serving as property manager.
Roth’s initial vision was to develop the property as a wedding venue, but resistance was met by neighbors who were concerned about how that business model would impact Norfolk’s quiet ambiance.
“We received candid feedback from neighbors who expressed concern about the level of activity and traffic. Although I believe we could have executed a venue well with minimal disruption to the neighborhood, I want to build a business that is welcomed by the community,” Roth said.
Other unforeseen events challenged her business. On Nov. 5, 2022, the biggest gas spill in Connecticut history happened right outside. A truck capsized on Route 44, spilling 8,200 gallons of gasoline into the earth and storm sewers, some of which converged on Roth’s property.
Guests were evacuated, power was turned off and no one could tell when it would be safe to reopen. They were forced to close indefinitely with heavy excavation and drilling expected for months.
“Since purchasing the property in Feb of 2022, we’ve been closed for more months than we’ve been open,” said Roth.
Manor House reopened primarily on weekends, ensuring guests were aware of the situation. Roth closed again this past winter to address fire code updates. With Maple Avenue torn up in front of their property for environmental remediation, it has been a challenging journey for Roth that has forced her to rethink her initial vision.
“We purchased the Manor House with the desire to restore it to a condition worthy of its history while building a business that contributes to the local economy and community life,” said Roth.
She explained that before buying the inn, her initial business plan was based on the goals outlined in Norfolk’s 2019 Plan for Conservation & Economic Development; specifically, to bring more young people into town by offering a wedding venue.
She aimed to support economic development (e.g. an upscale hospitality property brings guests who spend money in local shops and restaurants), and to maintain and enhance community assets (e.g. the Manor House is an architectural treasure; one that needs to be financially viable to be well-maintained).
“Ultimately, I believe that vibrant businesses increase property values, reduce the tax burden on property owners, draw young people and visitors into town, and improve the overall quality of communal life,” Roth said.
Now, Manor House has rebranded itself as an eco-friendly luxury boutique hotel with a commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. It has been awarded the Connecticut Green Lodging Certification by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP CT) and the Connecticut Office of Tourism, which offers a certification program for hotels called “Connecticut Green Lodging — Accommodating You and Our Environment.”
“Regarding the Green Lodging Certification, it is a self-certification program set up by DEEP CT and based on accumulating points associated with environmental practices. After researching all the eco-friendly updates we could consider, we made as many changes as possible and submitted our application for state review,” said Roth.
Her new management company, Ray Hospitality Inc., prioritizes environmental stewardship efforts with green initiatives including energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly amenities, green cleaning products, water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and locally sourced seasonal culinary offerings that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
“As stewards of this historic property, we are driven to preserve its timeless charm while embracing sustainable practices that minimize our environmental impact,” she said.
Energy-efficient LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and optional linen/room refreshes allow visitors to indulge in premium amenities while conserving precious resources. The inn has also embraced a “reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle” culture, minimizing single-use plastics and repurposing materials wherever possible.
Sustainably sourced foods complement the eco-friendly accommodations. Guest chefs and food educators are welcomed onsite to offer specialized cooking classes, including an upcoming class on May 11 with Terry Walters from Clean Food, whose focus is on crafting nourishing, seasonal, plant-centric recipes.
“Our development plans will encourage nature-immersive experiences in the Northwest Corner to support wellbeing. It’s truly an enchanting place that I’m passionate about sharing.
Manor House Inn plans to open April 18.
For more information, see the website: www.manorhouse-norfolk.com