County Executive Delivers State of County Speech
Dutchess county executive, Marc Molinaro delivers the 2018 state of the country speech in Hyde Park, New York at the Culinary Institute of America auditorium.
The annual speech covers a variety of topics regarding the current status of the countywide community. Molinaro spoke about special programs within Dutchess County as well new advancements that the local government is making to create a safer and more progressive environment for its citizens.
The main theme of Molinaro’s speech was about purpose. That keyword was used throughout the speech when he talked about the purpose of the local government and how its purpose was to serve its citizens and help benefit those within the communities.
One of the main talking points that he brought up was the new ThinkDIFFERENTLY program that is being implemented all over Dutchess County. The new initiative aims at creating a more inclusive and diverse atmosphere in Dutchess County.
The ThinkDIFFERENTLY program includes a new website, thinkdifferently.net that explains the mission of helping to employ people with special needs. The website finds opportunities for different abled people and helps to connect them with employers searching for people with special needs to employ.
“Three years ago, we began challenging ourselves to ThinkDIFFERENTLY. Our call to action has been embraced throughout Dutchess County, New York State and across the nation. More and more people from all walks of life are choosing to focus on the inherent potential of every individual regardless of ability. Over 70 communities have answered the call, and the impact is far-reaching,” said Molinaro.
The state of the county speech also included a much needed conversation about the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation and has obviously affecting Dutchess County and other parts of New York state.
The county executive spoke about the widespread epidemic and its ramifications on the public health and wellness of the towns and cities that call dutchess county home. Molinaro also introduced a new plan for recovery and urged listeners to reach out to those affected by the crisis and help them get professional help and recovery.
“Right now, across the nation and here in Dutchess County, the opioid epidemic continues taking a horrifying human toll, leaving in its wake destroyed families mourning sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers lost too soon,” Molinaro. He offered a message of recovery and hope to those affected and the families involved in their lives.
“We are expanding our efforts to help those suffering manage their addiction by increasing Medication Assisted Treatment. Currently, the County’s largest opioid addiction program serves nearly 400 individuals and has produced tremendous results. Medication Assisted Treatment combines counseling and therapy with approved medications that relieve withdrawal symptoms, control cravings, and block the effects of opioids. We will provide more treatment options at the Stabilization Center and expand treatment by working with primary care providers throughout the County. We need your help as we confront the stigma unfairly associated with these sites. Make no mistake: Those in treatment are our friends and neighbors; they live productive lives and have renewed purpose,” said Molinaro.
To watch the State of Country full speech, click here
A PDF version of the full speech transcript is available here
For more information on Dutchess County, visit the official government website here
