COMMUNITY
THE CHARACTER OF OUR TOWN
COMMUNITY
I believe in the power of community to do great things. Many of us meet in community—in book clubs, at knitting groups, at protests, on the pickleball court, in coffee houses, or houses of worship. On the Town Board’s Coms Committee, I facilitate gatherings for residents to meet with their Town Board, in the belief that an informed community and good governance go hand in hand. I will continue this work and I hope you’ll join me. The more we hear from you, the better we can represent you.
RESIDENTS
THE CHARACTER OF OUR TOWN
COMMUNITY
I am committed to the Town’s pro-resident policies that brought us Workforce Housing and the transformation of our Thompson Mazzarella Park. I support seeking a 3% Occupancy Tax, a fee for tourists. It’s a common practice in other destination municipalities, and 3% is on the low end of what is collected. Kingston is seeking a 5% Occupancy Tax, Clinton is seeking a tax. A visitor paying $1000 a night for a room would be charged an additional $30. Having visitors contribute their fair share will pay for projects like the Parsonage Street Bridge replacement and the Adams Hall renovation at the cemetery.
THE CHARACTER OF OUR TOWN
THE CHARACTER OF OUR TOWN
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
As an environmentalist, I believe in the work done to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our rural character. We are currently under pressure from developers to allow for commercial use in our RC5 zone— all of the Town east of Routes 9 and 9G. With three new hotel projects coming soon, SoHo House, Linwood, and Rhinebeck Villas, it’s time to talk about tourism capacity. When is enough, enough? At what point will Rhinebeck be overrun by tourists and no longer feel like home?
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
I am deeply connected to Rhinebeck. I shop locally and I’m engaged in our community. Before I was elected, I consistently attended Town Board meetings and went to all workshops for the 2026 budget. Since my election to town board, I am in Town Hall with staff, elected officials, and volunteers working on Town policies and procedures, and moving our current projects and initiatives forward. I am already at work for you and will be ready to serve as your Town Supervisor in January.
ABOUT ME AND MY EXPERIENCE
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
ABOUT ME AND MY EXPERIENCE
I’m your Deputy Supervisor. I’m a founding member of the Town’s Communications Committee. I have served on the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee. I am a co-founder of Rhinebeck’s first Pride organization, BeckHook Pride. I’m a community organizer and activist. I’m the mom of an amazing teenage daughter. I have a PhD in Classics from Columbia University. I’m the wife of an MTA dispatcher and we’re a proud union family. I’ve worked with Starr Library as an employee, volunteer, and collaborator. I’m an avid knitter, co-host a regular group at the Morton Library, and love Sheep and Wool (traffic aside). I’m a gardener and an environmentalist. Though trained as an academic, I lead with my heart.
I am friendly, strive to always be kind, and stand up for my principles. I’m a consensus-builder, a good listener, naturally curious, I enjoy learning, and I’m in love with my three pugs.
BE KIND
I'M ALREADY SERVING OUR TOWN
ABOUT ME AND MY EXPERIENCE
Be kind. Check on your neighbors. And let’s keep Rhinebeck Rhinebeck.
Feel free to reach out to me at: dhecht@me.com, I’m always happy to listen and talk!