Should We Kick Out Our Legislature? That’s the Question as Campaign 2019 Begins

As the petitioning period is underway for next November’s elections – so is the campaign to throw out current members of the Sullivan County Legislature.

Why? Because that is what Sullivan County voters have done in recent legislative election cycles.

One would think with unemployment down, development in Sullivan County, and property taxes stabilized – People would be happy with this legislature over past legislative bodies – Wrong!

In reality, despite all the talk about throwing this legislative body out, this group has been more effective than legislatures in the past.

There has been less fighting, a lot accomplished, and a spirit of bipartisanship.

A major issue that has rightfully made a lot of people angry is the fact that there is still no contract for our correction officers, and our remaining county workforce is overworked and underpaid.

Our law enforcement officials are in an uproar over the legislature’s refusal to give back the 911 call center to the Sheriff’s Department.

On top of all that comes the anger of our Town Supervisors and Village Mayors regarding Sullivan County’s refusal to share revenues from our underperforming casino.

Both sides have valid points on the tax sharing issue. The problem is that there is so much blood one can get from a stone.

A major burden on Sullivan County Government is the costs to maintain our roads and bridges as well as footing the bill for many countywide projects and programs.

There must be an ongoing dialogue between our County and Town and Village Officials. At the end of the day, there is no winner, the taxpayer always foots the bill.

We lack innovative ideas. No one is thinking out of the box. We have no real leadership.

Things seem to be getting worse and worse, despite the fact there is so much development in Sullivan County. Who can believe even Staples is closing?

We need real leadership – We need an elected County Executive who reports to the people of Sullivan County and has the mandate from the electorate to make change.

One item that has made me and others furious is this legislature’s stonewalling on the issue of staggering legislative terms. This measure will not happen until four years from now, when five legislators will be up for four year terms, and four will be up for two year terms, to begin the four year staggered cycle.

There will a public hearing this Thursday March 21, 2019 at 9:30 AM in the Legislative Hearing Room. I urge Voters to speak up and support staggered legislative terms.

I served on the Charter Review Commission, and we recommended both an elected County Executive and Staggered Terms. This Legislature has completely shelved the County Executive issue, but claim they support staggered terms.

JJ Hanson who served as one of the chairs of the Charter Review Commission fought long and hard for an elected County Executive and staggered terms.  In fact, JJ would have been my choice for County Executive.

JJ passed away, but his mother Doreen has kept his message alive, In a recent letter to the Sullivan County Legislature, she wrote:

“In 2014, Resolution NO. 448-14 appointed 13 individuals, members of the community to take part in the Charter Commission Review. As stated on the Sullivan county website, the purpose of the Charter is to “provide for the orderly government and management of the County of Sullivan. It is also the intent of this Charter to provide for a government that is efficient, effective, accountable, inclusive, open, and environmentally and fiscally responsible. Consistent with this intent, this Charter allocates duties and responsibilities in County Government.”

“In 2016 the Charter recommended the elected county legislators’ terms beginning the next election be staggered. Four randomly selected legislators run for 2 years then a 4-year term.  The recommendation is listed under Appendix III in the final report issued on May 17, 2017. 
What is disappointing is here we are March of 2019 and finally at public hearing for staggered terms. Why the delay in bringing this to the public? This hearing should have taken place in 2017 following the final report. Was the timing of the public hearing intentional since the subject cannot be on the 2019 ballot, due to referendum.  Because of the 45-day requirement and the primary being moved up the staggered terms would begin in 2023, 6 years from the Charter’s final report. Why have the Charter Commission, why waste the time of the men and woman of this community who volunteered? The delays and lack of commitment to the Charter’s Commission recommendation is disrespectful. As members of the County Legislature you represent the people of Sullivan County. It’s time to put forth the best interest of those people and the county government, not your 4-year term.

Respectfully
Doreen Hanson
Yulan NY

November is a long way from now. There is a lot this legislature can do to win back the electorate.

• Approve staggered terms
• Give our Correction Officers and County Workforce the respect they deserve with fair contracts
• Bring 911 back to Sherriff’s Department
• Sit down with Town and Village officials and work out an agreement
• Bring us some real leadership with some innovative ideas and not the same Bull****!

You can do better than a $4.5 million planned Visitor’s Center.

Instead of Doves – Get to work for the people of Sullivan County!

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.