Remembering a Political Powerhouse

by: Bill Liblick

Two months ago I wrote a column on Tim Hill and his battle with terminal cancer. Tim, as I am sure you know by now, passed away last Sunday.

Tim Hill was a remarkable political powerhouse who will be hard to replace both as Democratic County Chairman and Commissioner of the Board of Elections. He was a Sullivan County Democratic Party loyalist, who for the last 35 years fought his battles well.

My last conversation with him was several weeks ago, when he phoned to thank me for the column I had written. He told me it meant a great deal to him, and left him speechless.

Hill said he enjoyed reading my weekly opinions on Sullivan County issues, “and don’t think I don’t agree with most of what you have to say,” he quickly added. 

Even though I often verbally assaulted him on radio, he said he missed the show because it “provided a much needed forum for Sullivan County residents to express diverse opinions, and was highly entertaining.”

Hill urged me to consider seeking elective office one day. He added, “You are the type of person who would answer only to the people.” I thanked him for feeling that way, and that it meant a lot to me coming from him.

We then laughed at how he refused to appoint me to the Liberty Democratic Committee because I supported Republicans, and how he told me at the time if didn’t like it, “I should tell it to Jerry Springer,” referring to my television talk show appearances.

Although we had been at odds on many political issues, Hill and I became friends. We developed a mutual respect for our differing viewpoints, and always embraced the issues we agreed on. He confided in me on several occasions.

During our last conversation we discussed how strange politics was, that one day your friends are your enemies, and the next day your enemies are your friends. He said that was “why you always have to leave the door open, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.” I told him I would never forget those words, and that he was absolutely right.

Legislator Leni Binder who left the Democratic Party fold because of a dispute with Hill, spoke with me on Hill’s passing, she said, “He truly loved politics. He was loyal to his party and true to his beliefs.  And, even when on opposing sides, I always knew he believed that anything for the good of his party was right.”

During recent public events, Hill and Binder were often seen speaking. I once walked over to them, and Binder told me that they have always left their communication lines open, while Hill said, “one day we will get her back in fold.”

What I found remarkable about Hill was his drive. Instead of throwing in the towel, he fought the disease every which way. His frame of mind and resolve up until the very end was remarkable. He showed up at the job everyday, and his passion for being a political powerbroker never diminished.

He attended practically every political function held in Sullivan County, and remained active in Federal, State, County, and Town and Village politics.

Even though he knew the disease would eventually win out, his mindset was that you must keep fighting, and never give in.

As Democratic County Chairman, he took tremendous pride in all those he helped to elect. At the Board of Elections Hill worked endlessly. One of his main objectives was to computerize our voting machines before the mandated deadline.

Tim Hill was beyond a doubt one courageous and unique individual. His zest and zeal will be an everlasting tribute and legacy for all of Sullivan County. He will be missed.

May he rest in peace.

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