Poughkeepsie Journal Letter to the Editor - Submitted by Ginny Sept. 1, 2010 - Published in edited form in the Poughkeepsie Journal Sept. 18, 2010 under the title "Access Denied To County Records Site"

Recently local historians were again denied access to the Dutchess County Records Management Facility at 170 Washington Street .  These individuals were invited to a facility tour by a Legislator sitting on the Legislature's Public Works & Capital Projects Committee.  A resolution being discussed in Committee involves purchasing the currently leased facility.  The resolution would authorize $4.3 Million in bonding; total cost over $7 Million.  A portion is for purchase; the balance for a Medical Examiners Office and Morgue addition.

With the County having no County Historian , no Archivist and no active Records Management Advisory Board, my historical records concerns and awareness of previous access denials prompted the tour invitation. Upon entering the facility on tour day, another historian and myself were immediately confronted by Betsy Brockway and told the tour was for Legislators only.  Rob Rolison, Legislature Chairman, soon joined in on the dismissal.

What evil lurks in the 170 Washington Street building must be great because this is not the first time access by representatives of the local historical community has been denied.

Legislature information provided by Roman Yasiejko stated the current building needs a roof “mid-term”. It is reaching the end of "useful life". Bonding amounts do not include a new roof.

This fact combined with the denial of access to this facility housing the county's current and historical records demands the public and legislators shine high-beams on this resolution. Obtain facts. Utilize critical thinking. Ask tough questions. Demand answers.   Taxpayers, elected officials' constituents, our records and our history deserve nothing less. 

Virginia A. Buechele

Local Historian & Historical Awards Recipient

Poughkeepsie , NY