One of the biggest questions leading up to county-wide elections this year in Dutchess is, who will the Democrats chose as their nominee for county executive?
Lately, the question has become, will they pick Joe Ruggiero?
Ruggiero, the Wappinger town supervisor since 2002, is one of the most prominent Democrats in the county, partly because of his role as chairman of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. But he isn’t tipping his hand. He said he’s not sure yet if he will pursue the county executive nomination.
“It’s a huge decision, if I decide to do it,” Ruggiero said. “I’m thinking it through.”
You might say he’s taking a page from Barack Obama’s political playbook. Obama, the junior U.S. senator from Illinois, fought back speculation last year about a possible candidacy for president in 2008 before finally admitting he was giving it some thought, mostly because so many people had been asking him about it.
Obama, a Democrat, now is a full-fledged candidate for president.
Ruggiero, 37, also has been fielding questions about his political ambitions while trying to tamp down the speculation. He said he doesn’t like what’s going on in county government under the watch of County Executive William Steinhaus, a Republican, but he also enjoys his work in the Town of Wappinger. If he stays put, he would have to run for re-election in November.
Town or county? Time will tell.
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25 comments:
I know Joe Ruggiero, and I would strongly support a run by him for the position of County Executive. -- William W. Collier
Joe Ruggiero is an excellent administrator but more importantly, a fine person. He would be a great choice for Dutchess County Executive.
Joe has done a great job in the town of Wappinger. He's brought professional, progressive, and non-partisan leadership to the position. I would certainly vote for him as county executive.
I am a resident of the Town of Wappinger and have seen the great job Joe Ruggiero has done as our Town Supervisor. I am excited to think that Joe Ruggiero would bring the same type of enthusiasm and vision to our county government. Although I would be sad to see Joe leave our town government, I know that he would be able to help many more people as County Executive like he has as Supervisor.
CHOOSE THE COUNTY JOE! Run for County Exec... you would be great!
Joe Ruggiero is a proven leader who can work across party lines. Dutchess County would greatly benefit if he were County Executive. Our County certainly needs a change of leadership, and Joe Ruggiero is the perfect choice for the job. I would certainly support his candidacy and hope that many people will come forward to encourage him to run.
Ewww the thought of Poppa Joe as Exec. Bottom line, Steinhaus might not be warm and fuzzy but he's done a great job fo Dutchess
"Steinhaus might not be warm and fuzzy but he's done a great job fo Dutchess." Excuse me, I'm choking on my untested well water.
I think Joe Ruggerio would be a great County Executive for Dutchess County. I hope that he does run.
--Fishkill resident
County Government is in a sad state. It's about time the Democrats ran a candidate that can fix the problems Steinhaus has overlooked. I hope Joe runs so we can finally have someone worthy of being County Exec. in Dutchess. Ruggiero has done great things for the town of Wappinger, lets see what he can do for Dutchess!
We need a county executive who can work with the major political parties. The current county executive should be voted out of office for using $855,000 of taxpayers money for self promotion.
Better yet, he should not run for reelection.
I know Joe Ruggiero as a fair and honest person . Joe will be straight up with you.If he doesn't have the answer he won"t play politican with you. Joe will get back to you with an answer.He will make a great County Executive.
Wappingers loss will be Dutchess gain
Our current County Executive is full of self-promotion. His "Dutchess County Cares" slogan means he cares about his image - not about the people.
Mr. Ruggiero, please run for County Executive. We are in desperate need of a change.
Mr. Steinhaus talks the talk, and that is where it ends. Joe Ruggiero does not make empty promises. He would be an excellent County Executive.
Joe MUST run for County Exec. It's not even a question. With Collette gone, the GOP has no one who can even compete, including Mr. Steinhaus. Go Joe!!
Have you seen how much County taxes went up this year? The County Executive and all those legislators who voted to pass that ridiculous budget should be voted out! I will vote for Ruggiero.
Joe who?????
Choose the County Joe.
Tell Bill it's time to go.
Enough is Enough - It's time for a change - We Need You Joe. We need someone like you who really listens and cares about everyone!
Bill's the best
in a debate they'd stop it in the first minute as a TKO - Steinhaus would eat Ruggerio's lunch
when Ruggerios wappinger record is put under a microscope -- he'll wish he did not over reach trying to get to the Exec office --because he's got too many skeletons which as the super don't get exposed but if he tries for Exec and to move to the big leagues they'll be found out and it'll kill his chances to be elected
get real Joe -- there is virtually nothing you can claim that qualifies you to be the Executive of this county -- the Steinhaus record and his voter base will blow you away -- apparently you forget Joe his home town is Wappinger so he totally negates even any home town base you think you have -- you would not even win your home town -- and Joe -- so how many people do you think even know you in Red Hook or Amenia or Hyde Park or most towns where Steinhaus has been working those areas for years
ok picture this -- Ruggerro trying to convince a registered republican voter to vote for the county democrat party chairman --- a partisan liberal democart saying he wants to be the Executive of the county -- even if Steinhaus has weaknesses -- a person who is just a political party hack will never be voted into that office -- even independents won't support Ruggerro because they'll be suspicious of him as too partisan
every race Bill Steinhaus has run he's won by a landslide because the public responds to his honest character and respects how hard he works and that he's a straight shooter who puts what's best for the county as a whole above politics -- this ruggerreo guy has no record to match Steinhaus - i've seen the county executive work a crowd - people respond to him
Joe Ruggerio will make a excellent
County Executive. After 4 terms and 16 years in office Mr.Steinhaus has served long enough. It is time for new leadership. After all, why did your county taxes go up 15% this year? This way he can lower them in a election year and take credit for it.It's time to have elected officials that care about the citizens, not the politicians.
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