MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting Democrat Joseph Ruggiero has kicked off his campaign for Dutchess County executive. The former Executive Director of the New York State Bridge Authority and Town of Wappinger Supervisor is challenging two-term incumbent Republican Marcus Molinaro. Ruggiero believes he is the most uniquely qualified for the job. “I’m the only candidate in the race who has both public and private sector experience...,” he said. Ruggiero entered politics after the September 11, 2001 attacks. After working at a telecommunications company in Manhattan, he was motivated to run for office in the Hudson Valley. As for his opponent, Marcus Molinaro, Ruggiero said, “I don’t loathe my opponent; I think I can do a better job than him.” Among his objectives if elected, Ruggiero said he will address the county's population decline and cuts in mental health services, among other issues. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.