SHARE

Dutchess Legislator Tyner Censured After Comparing Commissioner To Nazis

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. - Joel Tyner became the first Dutchess County Legislator censured after comments he made about Robert Balkind, the county public works commissioner.

Joel Tyner

Joel Tyner

Photo Credit: File

The legislature unanimously voted Monday to censure him after Tyner said Balkind was "following orders...just like the Germans 70 years ago," at a June 5 Democratic caucus meeting when discussing the county's takeover of the Poughkeepsie city bus system.

Tyner said the attack was not pre-planned and said the county takeover of the bus system was an attack on democracy. He has declined to apologize for the comments.

"Such inexplicable, indefensible and offensive remarks are below the dignity of an elected official and demonstrate a lack of respect for county officials," the resolution to censure Tyner said. "The comments have been universally condemned and brought shame and embarrassment to the Dutchess County Legislature and the citizens of Dutchess County."

The matter will now be referred to the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission.

to follow Daily Voice Southwest Dutchess and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE