Who will lead our new Legislature?

by: Bill Liblick

Come January there will be new leadership running Sullivan County government. Unfortunately we will have no say in deciding who that person will be, because we do not elect a County Executive or head of the Legislature.

Most certainly the chairman will be a Democrat, as the newly elected legislature will consist of five Democrats and four Republicans.

Hopefully the divisiveness and closed-door political caucus practices of Chris Cunningham will finally be over. He truly lacked leadership skills to run our legislature, even though he is a nice person.

Under Cunningham’s rein our economic conditions worsened. We underwent a public works scandal, fire at the government center, and witnessed the reprehensible firing of Dan Briggs. Cunningham flip-flopped on the Neversink tax issue and his support for an elected county executive position diminished. Even Democratic County Chairman Timothy Hill distanced himself from Cunningham.

The new legislature will have the opportunity to start with a clean slate. But, that can only happen if the new chairman has the strength, conviction, and compassion to make a difference. All elected officials regardless of political differences must be invited to the table. Democrats and Republicans also need to be included in leadership positions.

The person who has been mentioned most as the heir apparent to Cunningham’s post is Jonathan Rouis, but that might not be a wise choice. As finance chairman he has not been open and honest about our budget crises.

Unless there has been some recent revelation on his part, Rouis has rarely consulted with Treasurer Ira Cohen on business matters facing our county. He had the audacity to tell the Charter Review Commission that our Treasurer should be an appointed position.

Despite resistance from Rouis, Cohen's perseverance has led to fiscal and debt management, a capital planning committee, and a capital budget.

Rouis also supports the hiring of outside auditors and accounting firms. His intentions might be honorable, but he clearly should not be the person to be chairman.

So, who amongst the Democrats has the ability to work with everyone? That person is Ron Hiatt.

I know I have been critical of Hiatt is the past, but he appears to be the one amongst the Democrats who can lead. He is savvy enough of a politician to understand all of our needs. His personality affords him the compassion needed in a leader. And, most importantly, as a respected attorney, he understands how government works and how to get things done.

Democratic Legislator Kathy LaBuda must also be singled out, because she has the skills, compassion, and talent required for a leadership position.

In order for our legislature to truly display unity and open government, the vice chairperson should be a Republican. Leni Binder would be a natural for this post, after all she is the former respected chair, she is state accredited in government, and has the proven ability to be non political.

Two new members of the legislature, Alan Sorensen and David Sager would also be outstanding choices.

As our former Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, Sorensen knows the ins and outs of Sullivan County government. Sorensen spearheaded such efforts as the Emerald Corporate Center, and Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

David Sager, another one of our shinning stars is deeply committed to Sullivan County. He is likeable, intelligent, and is more concerned with our future than petty politics.

Behind the scene dealmakers tell me the scenario as of now is that Rouis will be chairman and Hiatt vice-chairman. Democratic legislators made their deals in a meeting last week. Some Republicans might be offered committee chairmanships in a sign of unity. 

People like Binder who initially indicated she was leaning towards Hiatt is now rallying behind Rouis. I have been told Jodi Goodman would not support Hiatt due to personality issues. Republicans also feel backing Hiatt might be viewed as a slap in the face towards Bob Kunis.

Another question being asked in political circles is if County Attorney Sam Yasgar will be reappointed. If we are fortunate, Treasurer Ira Cohen will be offered the position or perhaps respected Village of Liberty Justice Harold Bauman.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the days ahead. Who will be victorious in their lobbying for power?  Will it all lead to business as usual or the beginning of a new and inclusive legislature?

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