I believe in putting in the work to ensure that we all have equal access to a high quality of life.

I believe concerned people can accomplish a lot for one another.

I believe government should look more like you and me.

I believe government should listen and learn from hard-working, diverse Americans who believe in the possibility of community.

Fishkill + Beacon Ward 4, District 16, Minority Leader, yvaldessmith@dutchessny.gov, 845-440-7477, www.facebook.com/yvette4dutchess
Insta, @yvette4dutchess

Yvette is a former public school teacher with a long record of community service and deep roots in the Hudson Valley. Raised in Puerto Rico, where her mother taught school and her father owned a  small business, she spent a great deal of time in Syracuse and Beacon with her mother’s family. Yvette learned early on to look out for neighbors as well as family and like her parents volunteered regularly. She attended college in the Hudson Valley, fell in love with the region, and has been here ever since.

Yvette and her husband live in the Town of Fishkill. Their two sons attend Glenham Elementary in the Beacon City School District. Yvette says they feel lucky to be part of such an amazing school community and are active in the PTO. They enjoy hiking with their dog Rosie, going to their sons’ soccer games, and supporting local businesses and restaurants.

Yvette is board vice president at Stony Kill Farm, serves on Vote Mama’s advisory committee, and is a proud member of the NYS Union of Teachers (NYSUT) and the Dutchess Democratic Women’s Caucus. She previously served on the the county legislature’s Environmental Management Council.

After years of volunteerism and advocacy in her community, Yvette was elected to represent District 16 in 2021 and was subsequently chosen to lead the Democratic caucus. She is eager to continue representing the district. As minority leader, Yvette is an ex-officio member of all legislative committees.

Yvette’s priorities

Ensuring that Dutchess is a great place to live, work, and raise a family by listening and responding to ideas and concerns from my neighbors, friends, and the wider community.

Putting the needs of people over special interests. For instance, development should be smart making our neighborhoods and schools better. We shouldn’t increase traffic or degrade the environment just so someone can make money.