Legislative Chairman Scott Samuelson’s lack of leadership and closed door backroom form of government has made it very clear that Sullivan County needs some drastic change. We must once and for all look towards a County Executive form of government.
Our county is becoming more and more populated with people in need of social services in order to survive. People cannot afford to pay their taxes and are losing their homes. Employment opportunities are few and far in between, and college graduates have no reason to return here.
Our dream of casinos being our economic revitalization has become a joke.
The reality is that County Manager Josh Potosek reports to a part time legislature filled with its own political agenda. Even County Treasurer Ira Cohen’s talents are not utilized the way they should be.
Sullivan County elects a full-time District Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, and County Clerk. When it comes for voters to elect an official who is in charge of our entire legislative body there is no position available.
Sullivan County lacks direction. We are missing the one person who can get County, Town and Village governments to actually work together, and perhaps consolidate services while coming up with a master plan to stimulate our economy.
We need a fulltime County Executive who reports to the people. We need a spokesman for Sullivan County. We need someone who will be there for us. We need someone who will be outspoken and work towards change.
We need someone who has passion, compassion, and will think out of the box. We need a leader with direction.
Ok – You get the point.
At the very least – We need to decide if we want to create a position and elect the person who leads our government, and not leave it up to nine members of a legislature.
Although a Charter Review Commission can recommend an amendment to change our charter, the legislature still has the ultimate power to place this question on the ballot at anytime.
A County Executive position would not cost taxpayers additional revenue, because in essence the position of County Manager would be eliminated, and Commissioners and Department heads would instead report to him or her.
I am well aware critics will argue that a County Executive would be elected through a popularity contest, and not based on qualifications or ability to get things done. To that argument, I say bunk.
Sullivan County voters are smart and they have proven time and time again they will vote for a person based on experience and qualifications.
If anything, the debate for a County Executive must begin once and for all.
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.