Comptroller candidates spoke at September Breakfast

The Chamber hosted a forum between Dutchess County Comptroller Jim Coughlan and challenger Robin Lois at its Contact Breakfast, sponsored by MidHudson Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, September 20 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center. Each of the candidates spoke before answering questions.

Part of the Chamber’s mission is cultivating a strong local economy, advocating for businesses and organizations, and being the voice for its member constituents. This includes familiarizing the community with the candidates running for public office and their positions on fundamental business issues.

Tickets are $25 for Chamber members in advance, or $30 at the door. Nonmembers can attend for $35. To RSVP, call (845) 454-1700, ext. 1000 or visit dcrcoc.org.

According to Coughlan’s website, he is a multi-lingual attorney with almost 25 years leadership and management experience in the private and public sector. As Comptroller, he is currently responsible for managing a $425 million annual budget for Dutchess County; interacts daily with government agencies and promotes best business practices throughout county government.

Lois is the owner of two Dutchess County businesses. She is a former CPA and auditor. Born and raised in the Mid-Hudson Valley, Lois prides herself in being very active in her local community. According to Lois’s website, after working in all different genres of accounting and business, she now wants to use her skills and knowledge for a civic purpose.

Home to the mid-Hudson Valley’s most advanced healthcare services, the 243-bed facility cares for more than 10,000 inpatients annually while performing an additional 325,000 outpatient procedures each year. MidHudson Regional Hospital operates the area’s only Level II trauma center, is home to the Redl Center for Cancer Care and Center for Robotic Surgery, and is a destination hospital for patients with serious illnesses and injuries. For more information, visit MidHudsonRegional.org