Brett Yarris Unanimously Appointed by Putnam County Legislature

“Unanimous, Bipartisan Vote Reflects Trust in Brett’s Leadership and Commitment to the People.”

I'm honored to share that as of July 1, 2025, I have been officially appointed to serve on the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation Board, following a unanimous, bipartisan vote by the Putnam County Legislature.

This appointment isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a signal of trust and collaboration across party lines. Of the seven unanimous votes, Three Republican legislators (Russo, Sayegh, Crowley) and one Democratic legislator (Montgomery) not only voted for me, they also offered public, glowing remarks about my commitment, knowledge, and work ethic. In today’s political climate, that kind of unity is rare—and it means a lot.

🧭 Why the Soil & Water Board Matters

The Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation Board plays a vital role in protecting our most essential resources: our land and our water. This volunteer board supports responsible land management, agricultural sustainability, erosion prevention, and clean water practices throughout the county. Whether you're a homeowner, farmer, or environmental advocate, the board’s mission touches every corner of Putnam County.

Our environment is not partisan. It’s personal—and it’s permanent. Serving on this board gives me the opportunity to bring my background in agricultural advocacy, environmental protection, and data-driven policy to the table where it matters most.

💬 What Legislators Said

During the vote, members of both parties highlighted why they felt confident in my appointment. Here are some of the comments pulled directly from the meeting transcript:

“You have my trust and, I feel so comfortable appointing you to this board, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important boards protecting our soil and our water. I know you're going to do the work—because I see it.”

“Brett, you as well—I’m really honored to appoint you to this board. You're showing up to meetings, you’ve taught yourself how county government works, and that means a lot. Just showing up and figuring out how these boards operate—it's way beyond what most people do.”

“The passion you bring is refreshing—it’s not something we often see. It’s energizing to watch someone engage at this level before even being on the board.”

These comments underscore something I’ve believed from the beginning of this campaign: you don’t need to hold office to start showing up and serving your community. You just need to care—and act.

🌱 Moving Forward Together

I step into this role not just as a candidate, but as a neighbor and a steward of our land. From defending local farms to pushing for transparency around agricultural policies like Resolution 139, I’ve always believed that protecting our natural resources is both an economic and moral responsibility.

Serving on the Soil and Water Board is an opportunity to take that advocacy even further—with real input, real responsibility, and real results.

Thank you to the Legislature for your trust. Let’s get to work—for the people.