Chair Yvette Valdés Smith Announces Dutchess County Legislature’s 2026 Committee Assignments

Chair Yvette Valdés Smith announced the Dutchess County Legislature’s Committee Assignments for 2026.

Chair Yvette Valdés Smith said, “As we embark on a New Year with new leadership and new voices, I am thrilled to announce the outstanding legislators who will chair the
standing committees of the Dutchess County Legislature.

“Each Chair was chosen based on their deep experience and understanding of the issues their committees will address. I am confident in their ability to build thoughtful consensus with their members and to develop strong policies and positive outcomes for the legislature to carry forward. Our leadership looks forward to working with them to build a stronger, more vibrant Dutchess County for all residents.”

The Dutchess County Legislature 2026 Committee Chair and Vice-Chair:

Budget, Finance & Personnel:
Brendan Lawler (D-Hyde Park), Chair; Trevor Redl (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), Vice-Chair.

Public Works:
Craig Brendli (D-City of Poughkeepsie), Chair; Molly Rhodes (D- Beacon), Vice-Chair.

Public Safety:
Eric Alexander (D-Washington), Chair; Chris Drago (D-Pine Plains), Vice-Chair.

Family & Human Services:
Emma Arnoff (D-Lagrange), Chair; Lisa Kaul (Town of Poughkeepsie), Vice-Chair.

Government Services & Administration
Brennan Kearney (D- Rhinebeck), Chair; Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), Vice-Chair.

Environment
Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie), Chair; Alix Winsby (D-Wappingers), Vice-Chair.

Ex-Officio
Chair Yvette Valdés Smith (D-Fishkill); Majority Leader Barrington Atkins (D-City of
Poughkeepsie); Assistant Majority Leader Kris Munn (D-Red Hook); Minority Leader
Michael Polasek (R-LaGrange); Assistant Minority Leader John Metzger (R-East
Fishkill).