Do Our Elected Officials Work for You?

by: Bill Liblick

Monday is Labor Day, although it marks the official end of the summer, there are many of us who still remember its meaning, a time to salute the American Worker and the Labor Movement.

In a time when so much work is out sourced to foreign countries, and products are shipped here from overseas, we have to seriously do something to improve our employment opportunities right here in Sullivan County.

Ironically the group of people who can make some change here are part of the labor force that we hire. Of course I am referring to our elected officials. This Labor day, we have to begin to seriously ask ourselves whether they are truly representing our needs.

I am often very critical of those who are elected. I believe there are politicians in positions of power who couldn’t care less about our quality of life, and only seek elected office for their own selfish reasons and motivations.

However, I will also acknowledge that there are many of those in public office who go above and beyond their call of duty in representing Sullivan County needs.

This Labor Day weekend while we put away our white shoes, we must begin to think about those people who represent us.

What we need is open and honest debate on the issues. Instead of complaining about how the quality of life is in Sullivan County, you will have the ability to decide this November who will be there working for you during the next four years, That’s right, the next four years.

In the weeks ahead, I plan to discuss many diverse issues, which affect all of us in Sullivan County.

The entire Legislature will be up for grabs, County Clerk, County Judge, as will all Town Supervisors, and Council Members.

Although each elected position is important to us, we must place a bulk of our concentration on the legislative races. After all, they are the people who run our county.

At the end of the day, if you feel those seeking reelection deserve your support, fine, but that should only be after understanding all the facts and issues.

In many cases it be your obligation to see above and beyond all the political hype and propaganda. And, not vote for someone because they give out the best pens or candy.

Political affiliation should not be a determining factor either, ability to serve Sullivan County and your interests should be, just like a boss hiring qualified employees to assist in running a business.

Labor day unlike other holidays salutes no one single person or event. It celebrates the labor movement.

The force of the labor movement throughout our nation has brought us the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever imagined.

We also deserve the best right here in Sullivan County and that should begin with our elected officials. Remember, the choice will be yours with whom you hire on our most important Labor Day, Election Day 2007.

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