Dan Aymar-Blair Sworn-In for Second Term as Dutchess County Comptroller

A crowd of over 225 people including family, friends, community leaders, and elected officials from across the political spectrum, gathered at the historic FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park to witness the swearing-in of Dan Aymar-Blair for his second term as Dutchess County Comptroller. The event celebrated Aymar-Blair’s continued commitment to public service and his determination to continue the important work of the Comptroller’s Office.

County Judge Kara Gerry administered the oath of office during the ceremony, which featured remarks from several distinguished speakers, including Dutchess County Legislator for Hyde Park Brendan Lawler, Dutchess County Chairperson Yvette Valdés Smith, NYS Assembly Member Didi Barrett, and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The event was emceed by City of Poughkeepsie Majority Leader Nedra Patterson Thompson. Sheriff Kirk Imperati called the Presentation of Colors by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.

Aymar-Blair brings over two decades of experience in municipal finance to the Dutchess Comptroller’s Office, including overseeing business operations for New York City Public Schools’ special education program, and serving on the Beacon City Council. Aymar-Blair was first elected Comptroller in a 2024 special election to finish out previous Comptroller Robin Lois’ term through 2025.

The Comptroller’s Office released 14 reports in 2025, including a pivotal update on the Youth Opportunity Union (Y.O.U.) that gave a stalled project new life. Aymar-Blair expressed gratitude for his reelection, saying, “A one year term is a test. A three year term is trust. Thank you.” Looking ahead to his second term, the Comptroller cited FDR’s ethos for good governance, namely that of “bold, persistent experimentation,” concluding, “The information I will provide to the policy-makers is another opportunity for iteration[AS1.1]. […] When everyone in County government is doing their part, we can innovate and lead. We can right past mistakes. We can serve the needs of the people.”

Dutchess County Chairperson Yvette Valdés Smith said, “It was incredibly meaningful to take part in Dutchess Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair’s swearing-in ceremony. His integrity and transparency is exactly what is needed at every level of government. The fact that we had so many community members and electeds together—including our new majority of the Democratic Caucus of the Dutchess County Legislature—to celebrate this moment was an inspiring start to 2026.”

Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati said, “Congratulations to Dan Aymar-Blair on his re-election to Dutchess County Comptroller. He and his staff do a great job and are a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “I look forward to working closely with Dutchess County’s newly sworn-in Comptroller, Dan Aymar-Blair as we advance our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of public resources. Strong collaboration between our offices is essential to serving the people of Dutchess County with integrity and public trust.”

Photos of the ceremony taken by Cara Howe are available here, and the video of the event can be viewed here.