Margaret Fettes

Dutchess County Legislature

email: countylegislature@co.dutchess.ny.us

I was raised on a family farm.I have a deep commitment to the land and to the protection of what is special about this county. I actively participate in Glenwood Grange, which explores savings agricultural farmland, preserving open space, and developing pedestrian friendly communities. I am one of only a few legislators to complete courses, under the auspices of Pace University, at Glenwood in which local leaders are trained in methods of developing best practices for local land use; I believe this training should be mandatory for all appointed and elected officials.

24 years as County Legislature

Stopping the county landfill from locating in Union Vale at the headwaters of Fishkill Creek was a high point in my career. I worked in my capacity as both a resident and a legislator, but we prevailed because a community of dedicated people came together to help me stop the project. Likewise, the community came together to help me stop the county landfill from being established in Millbrook.

After twenty-four wonderful years as your County Legislator, I know that nothing gets accomplished without people working together. My broad experience as a leader helps me to galvanize the citizen’s in our district to face issues that surface and can affect our daily lives.

Throughout my tenure, I have served on every committee in the county, and received the National Special Service Award at the National Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting in 2003. The first year I was elected to the Legislature, I was appointed to the DC Soil and Water Conservation Board, and remain Chairperson today. I currently am a member of the Farmland Protection Board; serve as President of Church Alliance of Millbrook, our senior citizen housing project; and act as Chairperson of the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District. Additionally, I am Secretary for Lower Hudson- Long Island resources.

In January of 2004, I initiated work to bring down prescription drug costs. Working with then Chairman Brad Kendall and the National association of Counties, we joined a pilot project that currently offers free prescription drug cards for those who do not have access to them. I have served on the 911 Planning Committee; the 911 Oversight Committee; the Mental health Board; the Mental Health Association; the Health Planning Council; the National Association of Conservation Districts, representing the northeast on the District Operations Committee. Additionally I served on the New York State Association of Counties Inter Government Affairs Committee.

I have worked very hard to keep the Dutchess County Infirmary from being sold and developed. And, thanks to a resolution from the Town of Washington Board and 600 signatures, it will become the DC Services for Eastern Dutchess County, providing assistance to residents throughout the area. Although the County Executive chooses the offices that will occupy the facility, the fact that this complex serves all of central and eastern Dutchess makes it a valuable community resource, and one that I support.

As an active church member all of my life, I have enjoyed singing since the age of ten. I have been an active member of our fire rescue for 30 years as well. But through it all, the greatest pleasure for me as County Legislator has been helping people solve problems. Serving the people is what it’s all about. I look forward to two more years of service on your behalf.

Please call me, I want to hear your voice when you talk to me about your concerns.

Margaret Fettes 677-3620 home or 486-2113 cell.