The Sullivan County Human Rights Commission has become a major force in Sullivan County in bringing people together, fighting for and protecting the rights of all residents, and striving for positive change.
The recently introduced DIALOGUE2CHANGE initiative with the goal of Moving from Poverty to Prosperity developed grassroots strategies to help Sullivan County residents move toward prosperity.
As a Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission I have been very active in organizing a new series of public forums with the intent to bring our diverse population together for the betterment of Sullivan County.
The Human Rights Commission initial forum will focus on Jewish Orthodox/Hasidic Community Relations in Sullivan County on Monday June 20, 2016, at 1PM in the Sullivan County Legislative Hearing Room in the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.
The forum which is part of the Human Rights Commission’s Outreach Series is designed to build healthy relationships and lines of communication between the Jewish Orthodox/Hasidic Community and to promote greater understanding/acceptance of our cultural differences as pillars of unity for a healthier Sullivan County.
Some of the topics and issues to be addressed will include: Keeping Sullivan County Clean, Property Maintenance, Employment Opportunities, Public Health, Code Enforcement, and Traffic Safety Concerns.
Moderators of the forum will include former Town of Thompson Supervisor Anthony Cellini, Attorney Gerald Orseck, and Rabbi Irving Goodman of the Hebrew Day School with the assistance Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Luis Alvarez, and Commissioners of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission and its Executive Director Lorraine Lopez.
Residents with questions and issues they would like addressed at the forum are urged to contact Lorraine Lopez at (845) 807-0189 or Lorraine.lopez@co.sullivan.ny.us .
Human Rights Commissioner Chair Judy Balaban said that “The purpose of the forum is to create a respectful environment, where all sides have a chance to voice their concerns and agree on productive resolutions in a positive atmosphere. “
Lorraine Lopez, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission, said, “Among the many wonderful things Sullivan County is known for, diversity in race, ethnicity, religion, ability, to name a few, among its residents is one of them. “Tolerance”, which can be patronizing is not good enough. Our goal is to build on and strengthen the mutual respect and understanding that exists among the various diverse groups.
Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez said, “I am glad to see that The Human Rights Commission is tackling many issues from the Dialogue to Change Program to these new Outreach Forums. This is an important step in the revitalization of Sullivan County and people living and working together.”
Tony Cellini added, “The officials of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission should be commended for providing a vital forum such as this. I believe under this leadership you will see many more various and important community forums to address many of our county needs and concerns.”
The goal of the first forum is to bring all parties together and begin a dialogue so that our summer community along with our year-round community can respect and accept each other. The objective is for everyone to live in peace and harmony while addressing certain concerns to create a better understanding.
Other forums that are being planned will involve people from other ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Please – I am asking all residents to support this initiative – and to participate for the greater good of Sullivan County and our future.
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.