About Former Senator Terry Gipson's

 

 

I'm Terry Gipson, and I'm honored to be serving my first term as a New York State Senator, representing the 41st District, which includes Dutchess and Putnam Counties. My wife Michelle and I are residents of Rhinebeck, where I formerly served as Village Trustee and owned a small business. Community is important to us and we are involved with the local library, historical society, farmer’s market and Chambers of Commerce.

Prior to moving to Rhinebeck, we lived in White Plains, where I served as a volunteer firefighter. I worked as a Design Director for MTV Networks, and previously, as a designer for Rockwell Architecture. For more than 20 years, I made my living developing creative solutions for complex problems — and this has proven to be a unique and valuable asset in Albany.

Born and raised in Tyler, Texas, I am proud of my family’s roots in farming. Encouraged to work hard and to be a self-starter, I put myself through school, graduating from Texas Tech with a BFA in 1987, and Penn State with an MFA in 1991. To do so, I worked as a landscaper, dishwasher, cook, carpenter, painter, cafeteria manager, and scenic and lighting designer.

My top priorities remain reducing taxes and creating jobs in the Hudson Valley. I am committed to improving the quality of our education system and finding a more equitable way to fund it, so that owning a home or business in our community is more affordable.

As someone who started my own business in the Hudson Valley, I know first-hand that we need to encourage entrepreneurs to start up or expand their businesses right here, rather than leaving for opportunities elsewhere.

While making New York more business-friendly, we must continue to protect our natural resources. I believe we can harness the unique natural characteristics of the Hudson Valley to spur our local economy and create jobs by promoting the use and manufacturing of alternative energy sources.

I am pro-choice, a strong defender of equal rights on behalf of all New Yorkers, and dedicated to preventing child abuse and domestic violence. I am also a staunch advocate for our senior citizens and understand the importance of making sure we all have access to affordable, quality health care.

I thank you for your continued support and look forward to continuing to serve you.

 

----- -----