Dutchess County Legislature District 16
How long have you been a Democrat?
I have been democrat since I was born. My grandmother worked on the Rev. Jessie Jackson’s presidential campaign, and I would follow her around when I came to visit from Puerto Rico. I moved to New York from Puerto Rico when I was 17, and I registered as soon as I turned 18 as a proud Democrat. Even though Puerto Rico is an associated state/Commonwealth of the United States, we do not have the ability to vote for president there.
What made you decide to run for office?
I’m a public school teacher who has always been very involved with our teachers’ union. I love to serve. As a mom of two young boys, I felt compelled to run for office as I watched the events of January 6th unfold, sitting in our living room, doing nothing but watching in disbelief. I knew we had to act at every level and that I wanted to serve our community in any way possible.
What will be your priorities if you get elected?
I have been proudly serving as the Beacon Ward 4 County Legislator and as Minority Leader of the Dutchess County legislature for two terms. I will continue to fight for affordability, housing, free public transportation, enhanced EMS, and youth and mental health programming.
I have witnessed a lot of waste at the county level that I have fought tooth and nail against. Namely, the $25 million giveaway to the stadium and the poorly planned purchase of Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley. There is still much more to be done. I am extremely proud of the work that my minority caucus has achieved, and we continue to work to build up to a majority. The addition of council person, Molly Rhodes, to our Democratic caucus in the legislature will be incredibly valuable.
What is something that you have done or achieved in Beacon or elsewhere that positively contributed to your community?
I fought to keep the Beacon Free Loop at the county level. I was also a member of the Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund, which is building the affordable housing units at 2 Cross Street in Beacon. I have also been an advocate for the rail trail connecting Beacon and Fishkill at the county level. I have proposed a sales tax decrease as well as free public transportation countywide.
What can you bring to the role?
I have been the County Legislator of District 16 for the Town of Fishkill and the City of Beacon, Ward Four and the Minority Leader for two terms. I am a New York State certified public school teacher holding two master’s degrees and multiple union endorsements and affiliations. I am also on the executive board of Stonykill Environmental Education Center. I ran as our State Senate candidate for district 39 last year.
Tell us something personal about you.
My uncle on my mom’s side lived in Beacon on a small street near the old Dogwood bar when I was a little girl. I used to come here during the summer in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I loved Puerto Rico, but I’d always dreamed of living here in New York. Beacon is home and the heart of our family and friends. Even though it continues to evolve, all the many changes and progress have helped it become even more stellar, beautiful, and amazing. I am forever grateful to represent our community.