Candidates 2024

Eileen Pucci

Union Vale Town Board- Candidate

Eileen has been a Union Vale resident for over 35 years. She and her family have been active members of the community, enjoying many of the activities and family programs at Tymor Park. Eileen is currently the librarian at Green Haven Prison, combining her love of books with the desire to help others.

Maintaining the rural character of Union Vale and bringing back some of the family programs that have disappeared are two areas of interest for Eileen. She believes in fostering relationships with our neighboring communities rather than alienating them with lawsuits. Revisiting the need for building a library in Union Vale makes sense to Eileen. She knows how libraries work and she can bring her expertise to guiding the best path forward. Eileen believes in transparency in local governments and she knows the benefits of collaboration and listening to others view points. Eileen believes in fiscal responsibility and letting taxpayers know exactly where their money is being spent.

Yvette Valdez-Smith

Candidate for NY State Senate

Yvette is currently the minority leader of the Dutchess County Legislature. As a legislator, she serves the residents of Fishkill and Beacon. Yvette has worked hard to lower taxes, invest in working families, youth, and seniors, while overseeing our tax dollars. She has proposed climate smart legislation, sponsored lowering property taxes, and worked for providing concurrent tuition for high school students to attend Dutchess Community College. Yvette is committed to continue this work and more in the NY Senate.

Yvette loves this area and wants to preserve the beauty and health of the area so that it continues to be a vibrant place for families. Yvette creates opportunities for residents to be heard and she advocates for all her constituents. Yvette states on her website:  “I believe our government should look more like you and me, and I believe that our government should listen and learn from more people you – hard-working and diverse Americans who believe in the possibility of our community

.Yvette Valdes Smith for State Senate bio image

Dan Aymar-Blair

Candidate for Dutchess County Comptroller

Dan is currently on the Beacon City Council where he has used tax dollars to sidewalks, bike lanes, park improvements, and critical infrastructure. He recently introduced legislation to protect the Fishkill Creek Watershed.

Dan’s extensive experience in municipal finance and operations uniquely qualifies for him the position of comptroller. He currently oversees business operations in New York City Public Schools’ special education program and has experience in budget management, reviewing multi-million-dollar contracts, civil service hiring, and managing capital projects.

Dan states on his website: “I’m running for Comptroller because I believe good, people-centered government begins with accountability and integrity. I’ll be able to provide that from day one because I have the experience and the independence to do the job.”

Pat Ryan

Current US Congressman for NY 18th District

In Congress, Ryan is focused on defending fundamental freedoms and delivering relief for Hudson Valley families. Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Ryan is working on issues of military preparedness, countering the threat of a rising China, and investing in the United States Military Academy and the next generation of military leaders. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ryan is committed to improving the daily lives of all residents in NY-18. Whether you commute to work on Metro North, travel Route 17 through Orange County, or need broadband access in Dutchess County, he will fight every day to improve our region’s infrastructure. 

Ryan has also championed efforts to expand access to affordable health care, support local law enforcement, preserve Social Security and Medicare, prevent gun violence, and protect a woman’s right to choose.