Profile of JOEL TYNER,
Dutchess County Legislator, 11th District,
Incumbent & Candidate for Re-election
August 2007

Since he became our county legislator in January 2004, Joel Tyner has been our light of hope in politics at the county level.  He has tenaciously battled a seemingly intransigent Republican majority and leadership to push through many pieces of progressive legislation, only some of which are described below:

• Retention of, and increased funding for, the county's home care program for seniors;
• Protection of the rights of homeless veterans to obtain shelter;
• Discounts on the purchase of defibrillators for county residents;
• County "take back" programs which will reduce the damage to our environment caused by products such as unused medications and used fluorescent light bulbs;
• Expansion of the county's health department website to include information about ground water contamination;
• Increased purchasing of hybrid vehicles for the county fleet;
• Change of monthly county legislature meetings from afternoon to evening hours, to enhance public access.

Regarding education of the public, Joel's efforts have been consistent and tireless.   Each month he organizes and sponsors forums (most of them in Rhinebeck's Town Hall) on issues such as air quality and tax fairness.  Since 1997 he has researched and compiled annual reports on the linkage between campaign contributions and contracts awarded by the county government.   Since 2001 he has focused on informing the public about ground water contamination in northern Dutchess, a topic finally receiving attention from the media.

Joel identifies and pursues many problems.  But ground water contamination is probably his signature issue.  He argues persuasively and relentlessly for required testing of wells for volatile organic chemicals such as MTBE, a gasoline additive.

A resident of Dutchess County for 42 years, Joel has always been a community activist.   It began with his role as student body president of Rhinebeck High School in 1981 and continues today with his current service in the county legislature, representing Rhinebeck and Clinton townships.  A teacher/counselor by profession, Joel's avocation is good government. 

Asked to list his top three priorities for the coming legislative term, Joel cites the following, each of which willl save taxpayer dollars in the long run.

1)  Help our seniors meet transportation needs by suppying rides for doctor and hospital visits.   This will enable them to remain independent, at home, and will save Medicaid dollars spent on nursing homes.

2)  Provide health care for the currently uninsured so that they do not have to resort to less effective, more expensive care in emergency rooms.

3)  Hold real estate developers accountable for the costs they impose on taxpayers, in terms of environmental damage and infrastructure expenses.

RE-ELECT JOEL TYNER as County Legislator, 11th District
joeltyner@earthlink.net