Issues

Dutchess County, like the nation as a whole, faces a host of economic issues at this historic time. Now, more than ever, the Office of Comptroller must take the lead in managing our finances.

The Comptroller needs to be proactive.

Audits require resources that should be conserved in the current economic times. They should be a tool of last resort. The Office of the Comptroller should educate departments, agencies, and third-party vendors as to best practices and procedures expected by the Comptroller. Through proactive measures such as seminars and effective training, the Office of Comptroller can often save the need of declaring an audit, thus saving taxpayers’ resources.

Jim believes that it is more important to find ways to make practices better and more efficient than to try to find things wrong through an ineffective audit. Defining and articulating expectations beforehand is a more effective and cost-saving method than fixing procedures through an audit after the fact.


The Comptroller needs to be an effective member of the team.

The Office of Comptroller is independent of the County Legislature and the County Executive and as such can promote cooperation and teamwork among these bodies to ensure the most effective management and oversight of taxpayers’ money.

The residents of Dutchess County have placed their trust in their elected officials to work together for the common good. The Office of Comptroller needs to enact policies that meet this expectation. The Office of Comptroller must build bridges rather than obstacles.


The Comptroller needs to be an efficiency expert.

If the Office of the Comptroller expects departments, agencies, and third-party vendors to cut costs and streamline processes, the Comptroller must lead by example. The use of a new financial accounting software system is essential to allow all participants to share information. It cuts cost, increases productivity, and eliminates unnecessary paper waste.

Jim is committed to using processes proven to work and save taxpayers’ resources. The residents of Dutchess County expect their Comptroller to embrace new technology to save them money.


Time to reinvent the Office of Comptroller.

It’s time to end politics as usual in Dutchess County. The residents of this County need an effective watchdog to protect their interests. Conducting audits for audit sake is inefficient and insincere. Transparency is the order of the day, not backroom deal-making.

Jim will talk sense and communicate directly to the residents of this County on how their money is being spent. He will keep a trained eye on departments and disbursements. He will streamline processes, cut waste, and audit effectively. With the current budget environment it is now more important than ever to exercise fiscal responsibility. The Office of Comptroller does not set policy, but Jim will spotlight the process and inform the taxpayers of any fiscal or procedural irregularities. He will use the Office to assess the cost of those policies and remind all, especially the taxpayers, of economic realities involved.


Help elect Jim as Comptroller of Dutchess County.

This election day cast your vote for Jim Coughlan and help ensure the financial security of our County.