Monticello Chaos Must End

People all over Sullivan County are continually talking about the Village of Monticello and what has become of our County Seat.

People are very concerned because Monticello is a reflection of all of Sullivan County. When someone thinks of the Catskill Mountains, they think of Monticello.

In the eyes of Monticello Mayor Gordon Jenkins he is doing nothing wrong and is doing the job he was elected to do. Jenkins is convinced there are those who have their own agendas and will oppose anything he does no matter what.

If that is the case – What are Mayor Gordon Jenkins accomplishments?

Legally, Jenkins might have every right to be Police Commissioner, Village Manager, appoint his long time girlfriend to the Village Board, and even run the municipality deep into a financial crisis.

Jenkins also faces a criminal trial for allegedly hitting a Village
of Monticello police officer.

Instead of being embarrassed and ashamed, Jenkins instead laughs off his critics.

As Mayor of the Village of Monticello Jenkins should be working towards bringing all people together to solve the many problems facing his government, but instead Jenkins allows it to remain the circus it is.

The recent findings of New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office is devastating and clearly shows that the Village of Monticello is in crises and is heading towards bankruptcy.

The Comptroller’s Office told Village officials that they could not raise property taxes above 1% because the Mayor/Manager failed to present to his board the adoption of a budget in a timely manner.

Thanks to lack of management and possible mismanagement the Village of Monticello might have to borrow money, fire employees, initiate a hiring freeze, or face bankruptcy in order to continue to operate.

Village of Monticello will most likely face double digit tax increases next year because of the current situation. And, that is above this year’s 1% property tax hike, 12% sanitation raise, 7.74 sewer tax hike, and 8.73% water increase.

How much more can Village of Monticello taxpayers endure Mayor Jenkins? Isn’t time you sit down and work with people like trustee Carmen Rue?

Mrs. Rue has dedicated her life to the Village of Monticello. She takes her job as a public servant very seriously, because she truly cares about the survival of Monticello, and so should you.

Mayor Jenkins, you are obviously taking the wrong legal advice from an out of county law firm that seems more concerned about financial gain than about Monticello’s survival.

We all know that come election time next spring, Republicans and Democrats and Conservatives and Independences will most likely unite behind one single candidate to run for Mayor if you choose to seek reelection. But, can the Village of Monticello really wait that long? Of course not!

Do the right thing Mayor Jenkins, bring everyone to the table and attempt to work together for the betterment of Monticello.

What type of legacy do you really think you are achieving right now Mayor Jenkins? Only you can change that!

The chaos in Monticello must end.

Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.