Brendan was born and raised in Dutchess County; his father was a corrections officer at Green Haven and his mother taught elementary grades in Wappingers Central School District.  His parents – and his Roman Catholic faith – helped him understand the importance of helping others from a very young age. Brendan attended St. Martin de Porres before graduating from Arlington High School in 1996.  He next graduated from the College of St. Rose with a Social Studies, Secondary Education degree in 2001. Brendan started as a leave replacement at FDR high school in 2002 and accepted a full-time teaching position at Arlington high school in 2003, where he works today. Brendan met his future wife, Katie, on a blind date at the Eveready Diner.  They married in 2013 and have a son who attends North Park Elementary and will enter first grade this fall. Brendan’s family, faith, and friends continue to guide him on his mission of public service.

Dutchess County Legislator, District 4 (2021)

Chair, Hyde Park Audit Committee (2017-2020)

Hyde Park Zoning Board of Appeals (2017-2020)

Arlington Teachers’ Association Community Action Committee Co-Chair (2016-Present)

Social Studies Teacher at FDR (2002-2003)

Social Studies Teacher at Arlington High School (2003-Present)

North Park PTA Member (2021-Present)

Fiscal Oversight

Establish a fiscal oversight committee.  The Dutchess County Legislature authorizes an annual budget of more than $500,000,000 but performs little fiscal oversight after that authorization. The legislature needs to analyze why the County has continually experienced major cost overruns in capital projects over the last five years and whether current programs designed to resolve social problems like mental health and drug addiction are working and the best way use our tax dollars. Standing committees need to ask hard questions of department heads to gain the information to create good policy.

 

Education

Invest in our children.  As an educator, I know the importance of preparing students to be engaged citizens who will contribute to our community.  We need to increase funding for Dutchess Community College and expand our partnerships with Dutchess BOCES other public and private higher education institutions to develop the home-grown labor force we need now and in the future. Workforce development provides middle-class opportunities for our youth and provides the skilled labor that businesses need.

 

Labor

Invest in our workers.  As an active union member and strong union advocate, I understand that labor is the backbone of our community and local economy. Workers shop and dine at local businesses and keep the economy going. Public sector employees are critical to our local communities and privatization of public services should be halted. Fair contracts should be offered and negotiated in good faith in recognition of the hard work that laborers provide.

 

Economic Development and Business Growth

Invest in infrastructure. Small businesses are essential to our community and infrastructure is critical to helping develop home-grown companies and attract investment. With a work force training incentive-based system for attracting business, Dutchess County could use abundant transportation networks to attract more manufacturers of Green Energy components. Dutchess County can also become a hub for Green Energy Research and Development by expanding broadband. Such incentives and investments mean local laborers are hired for construction and would ultimately bring higher paying job opportunities to the county.

 

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Paid for by Friends of Brendan Lawler