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Catherine F. Durland 845.486.2103
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Robert Rolison (R, C, I -Poughkeepsie), Minority Leader Barbara Jeter-Jackson (D, I- Poughkeepsie) and Legislator Ben Traudt (R, C, I –Red Hook) met with members of the Hudson Valley Young Professionals (HVYP), a formal committee of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The meeting held in the Chambers of the Legislature led to the discussion on relationship building and partnership to confront the issues that young people face with employment, housing, and education.
The current economic climate has led young people to leave Dutchess County and New York State in great numbers. In recognizing this issue in 2010, Rolison created the Stay Dutchess Commission. By soliciting input from resident young professionals and students from Dutchess County’s five major institutions of higher education, the commission intends to recommend policy to make the county a more attractive and economically viable destination.
Chairman Rolison stated, “Seeing the need to attract and retain young professionals and recent college graduates to Dutchess County is of utmost concern. We rely on the input from our constituents in order that we, as Legislators, can make informed decisions on how best to keep our county as the premiere location. The collaboration of the Stay Dutchess Commission and the HVYP is an outstanding opportunity that I look forward to continuing as we strive to provide our residents with the tools and services needed to live, work, and raise a family.”
An attendee of the event and HVYP Chairman Wayne Quint stated, “I am appreciative of the County Legislature reaching out to hear the voices of our demographic. The discussion today was insightful into the role of county government. The HVYP was grateful for the opportunity to share with the commission our thoughts, ideas, and concerns. I strongly believe that we do not have a right to complain if we do not express our convictions, and for that, it was an honor that Chairman Rolison approached us for this event, knowing that he could have approached many other organizations. We look forward to future interactions such as this meeting today, to continue a dialogue with our government and better our community."
Chairman Rob Rolison addresses members of the Hudson Valley Young Professionals
