Know Your District: Dutchess County Legislature District 1

Much of any media attention for local elections this fall center around the continuing battle of Bill Steinhaus versus Joseph Ruggiero for County Executive. As such, races for Dutchess County Legislature are vastly being overlooked.

That being said, although Legislators do not hold as much power as the head of the County, the contested races should be explored.

Dutchess Politics will fill this void and feature races for County Legislature. With that, it is time to know your district. What better place to start then District 1.

The 1st District of the Dutchess County Legislature encompasses most of the north side of the Town of Poughkeepsie. The most notable feature is Marist College, home to a transient population of students mostly from the Northeast.

The school has been known for high STD rates contrasted with boasting graduate Jared Jordan who was recently drafted in the NBA. Democrat feared right wing journalist Bill O'Reilly has emerged as the most famous Marist product though.

Republican Patrick Nesbitt currently represents District 1 in the County Legislature. He is not seeking reelection. Thus opening the flood gates of candidates.

The GOP has chosen Jeff Magee, an IBMer and previous losing candidate for a Town Council in Poughkeepsie. Democrats have endorsed Jim Doxsey, a Conservative, who said he would caucus with the Democrats if elected. Magee has been endorsed by the Independence Party and Doxsey by the Conservative Party.

Before they can face off this November each must overcome a tri-party primary showdown on September 18.

Registered Democrat Leonard Babiarz is challenging the Conservative Jim Doxsey for the Democrat line.

An opportunity to ballot was filed for the Conservative and Independence lines. A registered Conservative or Independence voter can now write in the name of someone running against the endorsed party candidate. This transcribes to Magee having an advantage on the Independence line and Doxsey with a leg up on the Conservative line.

With the County Executive race 2 months away, it is unfortunate that much attention has been misplaced from elections as interesting as this one.

Sadly, with primaries hosting low turnouts, turning out voters will prove tougher then an underage Marist student at a house party attempting to get the few last drops of beer out of an empty keg.