Although many of us only got to wear galoshes, it is time once again for us to put away our white shoes, and prepare for autumn.
As our summer community packs up and leaves us for another year, we see a Sullivan County in search of immediate economic development. Even though approval for Indian Casino Gaming is inching ever so closer, Sullivan County is facing many serious problems that must be dealt with immediately.
We will soon begin our budget process, and the news will not be good. Those people needing social services have increased dramatically as has our unemployment rate. The construction of a new County Jail can no longer be stalled.
As the need for economic development becomes greater and greater, our elected officials will indeed have a heavy plate ahead of them.
The political season will soon be getting into full gear. What we decide this November will set the stage for law enforcement in Sullivan County for the next several years.
Voters will be electing a new District Attorney as Steven Lungen retires. Chief Assistant District Attorney Jim Farrell, who has prosecuted cases for over 14 years, will be challenged by lawyer Glenn Kroll.
The Sheriff’s race will once again pit incumbent Mike Schiff against Frank Armstrong. Armstrong, who has since been elected to the legislature, will most likely have a great deal of work ahead of him convincing voters why they should elect him over the popular Schiff.
Three town supervisor races will in all probability draw the most attention. In Bethel incumbent Dan Strum will once again be facing former Supervisor Harold Russell, Calicoon incumbent Linda Babitz will be running against Councilman Tom Bose, and in Fallsburg attorney Steve Vegliante is running against businessman Joe Perillo, as Supervisor Steve Levine is retiring.
As another school year begins, we can also look forward to another great Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods.
All of our great Bicentennial events will soon be winding down. We must all say a big thank you to those responsible for organizing so many worthwhile events. It has certainly been be a monumental year.
Thank you to Alexis Eggelton, Coordinator of the Sullivan County Bicentennial who has been absolutely remarkable in this endeavor, Fred Stabbert III, Honorary Chairman, and the entire Bicentennial Steering Committee including Glenn Pontier, Lyman Holmes, Roberta Byron-Lockwood, John Conway, Alvin Dumas, Carol Montana, Barry Plaxen, and Guy Baker for their hard work, commitment, and ingenuity.
The upcoming free Countywide Picnic Day on September 26th at Bethel Woods will showcase local music and musicians from Sullivan County complete with “bring your own picnics.” Local bands will play on several stages throughout site, and will feature history information, and children’s activities.
The Bicentennial Committee awarded grants to townships, villages and community groups promoting “Bicentennial-Sealed” events adding or elaborating on celebrating/educating the public and their guests about the art, culture or history of their community. Nearly forty groups and municipalities took part in the program ranging from annual events to celebrations created specifically for the Bicentennial.
Eggelton told me, “Our Bicentennial events have instilled a great pride in our communities, and when coupled with the beautification projects through Sullivan Renaissance, our towns and villages have just sparkled this summer.”
She added. “It’s a unique experience to have been able to celebrate each community’s own history and culture, and I have to recognize the individual event organizers, who have paid special attention to our veterans and emergency first responders. These men and women have protected and defended us so we’re able to be here celebrating our 200th Anniversary, and they deserve these special accolades.”
Eggelton noted, “This Bicentennial has also been a great economic stimulator for our communities. Through August 1, we’ve had more than 35,000 people attend Bicentennial events and spend an estimated $1.5 million dollars. That’s big money in our communities during a time when our Main Street businesses need it most.”
Before we start thinking about the weeks ahead of us – let us not forget what this weekend is all about. It is our yearly opportunity to salute labor. Let us all pay tribute to the social and economic achievements of the American Worker. As we send accolades to the contributions labor has made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our great nation, let us all say thank you.
Have a happy and safe Labor Day.