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The race for Dutchess County Comptroller is set between incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair and Republican challenger Will Truitt. Aymar-Blair, a Democrat from Beacon, secured the position in 2024 after serving on the Beacon City Council. He will face Truitt, who is the chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature and a financial manager at Metzger Construction in Hopewell Junction.
Truitt, a resident of Hyde Park, has been involved in local politics for a decade. He began his political career at age 19 while studying at Marist College and became a representative for Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley at age 20. His experience as the chair of the county legislature's Budget and Finance Committee and his background in business and finance have prepared him for the comptroller role. Truitt has also been instrumental in passing term limit regulations for elected county officials, limiting them to 12 years in a particular post.
The comptroller's role is crucial as it involves overseeing the county's accounting and auditing functions, managing spending, and supervising development projects. The upcoming election, scheduled for November 4, will determine who will serve a shortened three-year term as comptroller.