ABOUT TONYA
Tonya Speed is a community leader, small-business owner, and dedicated public servant running as a Democrat for the Dutchess County Legislature in District 6.
As Executive Director of the Arlington Business Improvement District, Tonya works every day with residents, business owners, nonprofit organizations, local institutions, and municipal leaders to strengthen the Arlington community. She also manages community events and farmers markets that support local farms, makers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses while creating welcoming spaces that bring neighbors together.
Tonya understands that strong communities are built through practical leadership, open communication, and a willingness to do the work. Her experience in local government and community development has shown her how decisions made at the county level affect residents’ everyday lives—from housing and transportation to mental health services, environmental protection, public safety, and economic opportunity.
TONYA’S PRIORITIES
ENVIRONMENT: Environmental responsibility is one of Tonya’s central priorities. She believes Dutchess County should take meaningful steps to reduce single-use plastics, unnecessary packaging, and waste while supporting sustainable businesses, protecting clean water, preserving open space, and preparing communities for the effects of a changing climate.
HOUSING: Tonya believes affordable and workforce housing is essential to the future of Dutchess County. Teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, service employees, young families, and seniors should be able to afford to live in the communities they serve. She supports thoughtful housing development, stronger partnerships between government and community organizations, and policies that preserve affordability while strengthening neighborhoods.
LABOR: Tonya’s support for organized labor is deeply personal. Tonya’s son is a union sprinkler fitter, her father was a Teamster, and her mother was a member of the United Auto Workers. She has seen firsthand how unions provide working families with fair wages, workplace protections, quality benefits, training, and the opportunity to build a secure future. She will stand with workers and support responsible development that creates good-paying, union jobs.
IMMIGRATION: Immigration is also personal to Tonya. Her son-in-law is an immigrant, and her family witnessed firsthand how long, complicated, and expensive the path to citizenship can be. She believes our immigration system must be fair, humane, and accessible, while protecting human rights and treating every person with dignity. No one should be subjected to inhumane treatment, and those seeking citizenship should have a realistic and understandable path forward.
Tonya’s other priorities include supporting small businesses and local farms, expanding access to mental health and addiction services, improving transportation and infrastructure, protecting reproductive freedom and equal rights, and making county government more transparent, responsive, and accessible.
Tonya is running because she believes residents deserve a representative who listens, shows up, and brings people together to solve problems. She will bring compassion, persistence, and hands-on experience to the Dutchess County Legislature — and she will always put the needs of the community first.