A Challenge For Molinaro
From the Morning Memo:
The executive director of the New York Bridge Authority resigned on Friday, and days later became a Democratic candidate for Dutchess County executive.
Joseph Ruggiero, first appointed to the executive director post at the authority in 2010 by Gov. David Paterson, said in a statement released Monday afternoon that “an opportunity has presented itself to me outside of the Authority that I am excited to pursue.”
That opportunity is to launch a challenge to Republican Marc Molinaro for county executive. Molinaro unsuccessfully ran for governor last year as Gov. Andrew Cuomo secured a third term.
The Dutchess County Democratic Committee later on Monday announced Ruggiero had secured their backing in his bid to unseat Molinaro.
“I’ve lived in Dutchess County my entire life and have a full understanding of the challenges facing our residents,” he said in a statement. “Whether it’s rising energy costs, increasing property taxes, a mounting county fiscal crisis or just making ends meet around the kitchen table, I know what families are dealing with in Dutchess County.”
Prior to serving at the Bridge Authority, Ruggiero was a town supervisor in Wappinger and as a deputy comptroller.
Molinaro’s most recent campaign finance report filed last month for his county executive campaign showed $2,334 in cash on hand. His gubernatorial campaign account reported $1,265.
Original Article
Date: Feb 26, 2019