Dutchess County Executive Steinhaus honored by Maplebrook

AMENIA — Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus was honored with the Maplebrook School President’s Award on Tuesday at a formal breakfast held at the Silo Ridge Country Club.

Steinhaus was honored at the breakfast for his 16 years of serving as the Dutchess County executive and his 26 years of public service.

Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian Anderson said that Steinhaus’ award was well deserved.

“I’ve known him for over 30 years, in fact everyone in this area knows him,� Anderson said. “The biggest things I think he’s done for this area are the parks and the Rail Trail and we patrol them. God bless [the school] for their choice.�

Pawling Mayor Robert Liffland said that Steinhaus has worked hard for the area, and that he was very modest.

“He never looks for attention, so I think this is a great way to show him that we appreciate what he’s done for us,� Liffland said.

Speakers at the breakfast included head of Maplebrook School Donna Konkolics, county health commissioner Dr. Michael C. Caldwell, attorney Donald Cappillno and Steinhaus’ chief of staff Nancy Giordano.

Caldwell said that he appreciated Steinhaus taking a chance by hiring him.

“Over the last number of years, my respect and admiration for him has really grown like the sun shining today,� Caldwell said. “It has really, I think, been amazing to see the county grow under his stewardship. Every day I count my blessings to work with someone so thoughtful.�

Longtime friend Cappillino honored Steinhaus for his inquisitiveness.

“I have two words that could describe Bill: power tools,� Cappillno said. “For the past 30 years, I have seen him take apart and put back together his house. We are fortunate in Dutchess County that he is the kind of guy that likes to find out what happens behind the scenes and likes to find out how things work.�

Steinhaus, who serves on the board of trustees for the school, was presented with a plaque of appreciation by school CEO Roger Fazzone.

“He has made this area a better place to live for many years,� Fazzone said.

Steinhaus said that he was deeply honored by the award.

“Whether it is working in this part of the county or working on the Rail Trail, there are challenges all across the county,� he said. “But we all welcome these challenges. It’s wonderful to work in the name of community spirit.�

As part of the award, the school will name a scholarship in Steinhaus’ honor.

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