2023-1202023-120
Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Town of Wappinger
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on
September 14, 2023.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓ Vote Record - Resolution RES -2023-120
Yes/Aye
No/Nay
Abstain
Absent
Q Adopted
❑ Adopted as Amended
Richard Thurston
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Defeated
William H. Beale
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Tabled
Angela Bettina
Mover
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Withdrawn
Christopher Phillips
Seconder
Q
❑
❑
❑
Al Casella
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Bettina and seconded by
Councilman Phillips.
Whereas, the Bureau of the Census, in the 2020 Census Report, estimates the
Hispanic/Latinx population living in Dutchess County at more that 42,000 people, or 35% of the
total population of the County; and
Whereas, under the 2020 Census, there were close to 4,500 or more Hispanic/Latinx
residents in the Town of Wappinger, equating to approximately 16% of the Town's population,
which represents a significant growth over the 2010 Census; and
Whereas, Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses represent the fastest growing segment of
small businesses in the United States, with Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses growing at more
than 15 times the national rate; and
Whereas, as of August 2018, more than 28,000,000 Latinx workers represented 17% of
the total civilian labor force of the United States, and as a result of Latinx experiencing the
fastest population growth of all race and ethnic groups in the Unites States, the rate of Latinx
participation in the labor force is expected to grow to 20% by 2024, accounting for one-fifth of
the total labor force; and
Whereas, Hispanic/Latinx Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have
fought bravely in every war in the history of the United States; and
Whereas, as of August 2019, at least 688 fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan were
members of the Armed Forces who were Hispanic/Latinx; and
Whereas, Hispanic/Latinx Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and
community, an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to society.
Now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger recognizes the celebration of
Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2023, through October 15, 2023; be it further
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger recognizes the integral role of
Hispanic/Latinx peoples and the manifold heritages of Hispanic/Latinx peoples in the economy,
culture, and identity of the Wappinger community; be it further
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger urges the people of the Town of
Wappinger to observe Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities that
celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic/Latinx people to the Town of Wappinger.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Angela Bettina, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Christopher Phillips, Councilman
AYES: Thurston, Beale, Bettina, Phillips, Casella
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
9/14/2023
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOSEPH P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK