To all the 2016 Presidential Candidates

Nick Reisman from Capitol Tonight tweeted this out this morning:

After all, Dutchess County is the home of two former Governor’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Thomas Dewey — who ran against one another for the presidency in 1944, the only time both major party presidential candidates came from the same county in the same state.

Unfortunately, politics has changed a lot since Governors Roosevelt and Dewey ran. It seems the only thing making the headlines are the candidates heated rhetoric and whatever the outrage of the day is. I say it’s time to elevate the dialogue and empower the people.

Dutchess County is a great reflection of the diversity of New York. Our rural heritage, suburban characteristics and Hudson River urban centers; along with our direct connection to New York City and proximity to the Capital District and Catskills make us a perfect location for a town hall meeting. We are fortunate to have great employers of all sizes and amazing universities like Bard, Vassar, Marist and Dutchess Community Colleges along with the Culinary Institute of America. Yes, Dutchess County is distinct. We and Marist College — home of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion — welcome you ahead of the New York State primary.

So, I’m extending an invitation to Mr. Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, Gov. John Kasich, Former Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Sen. Bernie Sanders to come to Dutchess County. Talk to the people who live, work, and raise a family here. Listen to their issues and tell them how you’ll answer them as President.

Most importantly, ask for their vote.

Marist College has agreed to host a town hall where you’ll get the opportunity to engage with voters.

And if time permits, we will make arrangements for you to visit the home and library of Franklin Roosevelt. The first presidential library is sure to intrigue, amaze and, dare I say, humble you.

I hope you’ll agree and show the people of Dutchess, New York and America that every vote counts and every voice should be heard, that the highest office in the land deserves an open, honest and robust dialogue. With only days to go until this State’s primary, I hope you’ll make this county — the home of Roosevelt and Dewey, where the United States Constitution was ratified and the very idea of the Bill of Rights took shape — a stop along the road to the White House.