Dutchess Sets Term Limits On Executive, Comptroller, Legislators

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, term limits will be imposed Dutchess County legislators, the county executive and the county comptroller. Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro was joined Thursday by County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver and Legislator Don Sagliano as he signed Dutchess County Elected Official Term Limit legislation into law in the Dutchess County Legislature Chamber this afternoon.

Legislators Pulver, Sagliano and Will Truitt sponsored Resolution No. 2019057, which amends the Dutchess County Charter to impose term limits. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Dutchess County Legislature at the March 11 Board meeting.

“Term limits further empower residents, hold officials accountable, and help to reinvigorate democracy. This law will ensure a constant stream of new leaders with fresh ideas, which will only serve to benefit the people of Dutchess County for generations to come,” Molinaro said.

The new term limits will restrict each position to a maximum of 12 years, with the specific of each of position as follows:

• County Legislature – no person should be elected for a full two-year term as a member of the County Legislature more than six times.
• County Executive – no person shall be elected for a full four-year team to the office of County Executive more than three times.
• County Comptroller – no person shall be elected for a full four-year team to the office of County Comptroller more than three times.

State law preempts the county from enacting term limits on the positions of sheriff, county clerk and district attorney, according to a county spokesman.

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