56°
Mayor Rob Rolison was greeting people outside and said he was happy to show off the city. Rolison said he was up at 5 a.m. working with police and security to make sure everything ran smoothly.
"We hope Donald Trump can host a successful event," Rolison, who has not endorsed a candidate, said.
Rolison said Poughkeepsie has become a regional hotspot for candidates. Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned at Marist College Tuesday while Chelsea Clinton was in the Town of Poughkeepsie at a Civil Service Employee union's office Sunday.
"We are happy to be an event showcase," Rolison said.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said this was a chance for candidates to meet the voters of Dutchess County.
"I believe every vote has to be earned," Molinaro said.
Molinaro said he was excited to show off the candidates and bring people to the county.
"Dutchess County is a great community with great assets," Molinaro said.
The county executive, who did not rule out an informal appearance by another candidate, said he would want to ask Trump about job creation, addressing drug addiction and mental illness and ensuring every citizen is accepted.
Sam Shaprio, a Poughkeepsie resident, said he is supporting Trump because he wants to see change.
"I've liked him forever," Shapiro said. "He is a plain speaker. Donald Trump is brash, arrogant, and egotistical, but he's honest."
Andrew Humphreys, who lives in Dutchess, said he likes Trump's stance on the issues.
"He's very direct," Humphreys said. "He has shown great leadership. His skillset would be great for the country."
Humphreys said he would like to hear Trump talk about the national debt and America's open borders.
"He would bring order to a disordered system," Humphreys said.
Matthew Kaufman, an Ossining resident, said Trump has a plan to reinvigorate the economy that would help upstate New York.
"He's going to eliminate punitive taxes and create jobs," Kaufman said. "He's going to bring the jobs home."
Trump, who owns an estate in Bedford, also owns Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley in Stormville and Trump National Westchester in Briarcliff Manor. The Trump name also adorns Trump Tower at City Center in White Plains, Trump Plaza in New Rochelle, Trump Park Residences in Yorktown and the Donald J. Trump State Park on the Westchester/Putnam border.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.
