Sullivan County Approaches 2007

by: Bill Liblick

In a few days we will be ringing in the New Year.

Businessman, community leader and political activist Ron Gozza, recently reminded me that this year’s Liberty New Year’s Eve Bell Drop will officially launch the town’s Bicentennial.

Celebrating a Bicentennial is a great thing. It leads one to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. Although Liberty has seen better days, many are trying to make change there.

It does not end in Liberty. All of our towns and villages have embarked on campaigns filled with improvements. With any bit of luck, in 2007 these inroads will begin to have a positive impact.

In the Village of Monticello, thanks to the appointment of Ray Nargizian as the new Manager, things are certainly about to change. Of course, the key to Nargizian’s success will be if he is allowed to do his job.

Take Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini, and all he has accomplished. He gets things done, because he takes the ball and runs with it. In 2007 hopefully Sullivan County voters will elect more people like him.

And, we might be on the right path. In 2006 we inaugurated several officials who have so far performed for us in an exemplary fashion.

Our Dynamic Duo - Sheriff Michael Schiff and Under Sheriff Eric Chaboty have literally worked around the clock for us. Their accomplishments in just a few short months are simply remarkable, and must be applauded.

Equally, Ira Cohen has been doing an outstanding job as our County Treasurer. He has been in the forefront in protecting Sullivan County’s financial interests.

In 2007 we will see our entire County Legislature up for re-election, as well as many positions on our town and village boards.

Unfortunately, a new County Clerk will also be elected, because George Cooke was forced to step down over something that should have just been a reprimand.

David Fanslau has been on the job just a few short months as our County Manager. It will be interesting how those in control of the legislature allow him to continue to run our government.

Many new faces will be operating our affairs in 2007. Commissioner of General Services, Harvey Smith, Financial Management Administration Commissioner, Richard LaCondre, and Real Property Tax Services Director Paul Burckard will all be gone from Sullivan County government.

We are still in a major budget crunch, and making a decent living here is a very hard thing to do. We need major improvements in 2007 in the type of industry we attract. Equally, we must do something to find employment for our college graduates; otherwise they will continue to flee our County.

The Charter Review Commission will be making their recommendations in 2007. The creation of a full-time County Executive position and a mandate for a Sheriff’s Patrol must be included in the new charter.

The troubles plaguing Catskill Regional Medical Center is something none of us expected in 2006. Hopefully the New Year will begin with great improvements at our only hospital. I expect that the new team in place will finally get things right, and place proper medical care above and beyond anything else.

The New Year will finally witness something we have been waiting decades for - the construction of legalized Indian Run Casino Gaming in Sullivan County.

Although it will take more than a year until the gambling halls open, 2007 should be the year for strategic planning. Sullivan County must be prepared with a master plan. Additional housing, schooling, transportation, and quality of life issues must be anticipated and addressed.  We can expect announcements of big box chains, hotels, and eating establishments in the year ahead.

Let us not forget that 2006 witnessed the grand opening Bethel Woods. Alan Gerry’s dream of bringing us a first class concert venue was realized. He has many more great things in store for us in 2007.

In the coming year our schools and law enforcement agencies must begin to educate on defensive driving. We have seen too many car accidents in 2006. We must also be proactive when combating the spread of youth gangs throughout Sullivan County.

The remnants of the devastating floods from this past spring are still being felt throughout Sullivan County. We have to do more to prevent the damage “Mother Nature” can bring upon us.

It would be nice if we finally had a properly run animal shelter in 2007, clearly the SPCA should be shut down.

As we move towards the New Year, we should all acknowledge the committed and dedicated people in Sullivan County. From our volunteer ambulance workers, to our fire departments, to our veterans, to those who sacrifice their own lives in taking care of ill family members - thank you.

We are also lucky to have those in the business community who lend a hand to help those less fortunate at the drop of a dime.

Take the Liberty Diner for example, proprietors Nick and Helen Tsicalos donate a New Year’s luncheon serving those in need to over 200 people every year.

Businessman Robert Berman’s “Project Dream Foundation” is granting scholarships to those who otherwise could not attend college.

The list goes on and on.

That is the spirit we need to embrace as we ring in 2007 – helping others while making productive change in Sullivan County!

Happy and Healthy New Year!

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