Town of Washington Democratic Committee
On Tuesday, Courtney Tsahalis, Director of the Millbrook Library, reported that the recent federal funding cuts have essentially closed (for now) the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) thereby cutting off the the support services and mechanism for receiving funding to the states, who, along with our local libraries depend upon this funding to operate.
Here is a New York Times article (4/8/25) describing the lawsuit by the American Library Association contesting these cuts. The group argues that efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services imperil the nation’s libraries and violate the law.
Important Information from Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair's Office
This week our office launched an online survey for Dutchess residents and organizations to report loss of federal jobs or funding. Thus far, we have identified nearly $35 million in lost federal investment in Dutchess County, including a loss of $2.4 million in earmarks for Dutchess County’s real time crime center and public safety radio system, and renovations and improvements to fire stations and wastewater treatment facilities.
Please help spread the word that anyone in Dutchess impacted by federal job loss or funding cuts should fill out the online survey so that we can alert other government leaders and focus economic planning.
Would you like to receive Dan Aymar-Blair's email? You can SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Kara Gerry and Eric Alexander Speak to the
Town of Washington Democrats
Candidate for Dutchess County Judge, Kara Gerry, and candidate for County Legislature District 25, Eric Alexander, spoke to the Town of Washington Democrats Wednesday, March 26. Both candidates spoke fervently about the importance of the jobs they are seeking and how they plan to achieve changes in their new positions.
Eric believes his job as a county legislator will be to develop a responsible and fair budget and to deliver the funds needed to support businesses, reliable emergency medical transportation and affordable housing to District 25. He believes he can accomplish more for our district which encompasses all of the Town of Washington. Eric promised he would not accept “nothing can be done” for an answer to a problem in District 25.
Kara discussed the duties of a county judge. She explained that as an Assistant District Attorney, she developed a deeper understanding and awareness of what it truly means to act in the best interest of the public and to pursue justice. Kara explained that ethical considerations, protecting victims, and acting with integrity must be balanced with upholding the constitutional protections of the accused and simultaneously holding them accountable for criminal actions.
The remarks of both candidates led to many excellent questions and sparked a serious discussion about the importance of voting and getting out the vote for this local election.
Both of these terrific candidates are working hard for us. They are running for political office for the first time and will need money to take on their incumbent opponents. Please consider making a donation to their campaigns.
Donate!
Please donate to help us support our candidates and Get Out the Vote for every election!
Our Committee:
*
Our Committee: *
The Town of Washington/Millbrook Democratic Committee is the elected body representing registered Democratic voters in the Town of Washington, which includes the Village of Millbrook. The committee has seven members representing the town’s three election districts.
The committee recruits, endorses and supports candidates for town and village elections.