Sullivan County Approaches 2008

by: Bill Liblick

In a few days we will be ringing in the New Year, and a new batch of elected officials comes with it.

As a New Year Resolution it would be great to see our political leaders put their petty differences aside and work in unity for our common good.

The Village of Monticello is a perfect example of how it can be done. Mayor Jim Barnicle, a Democrat, and Village Manager Ray Nargizian, a Republican, have united to bring the municipality back, and it’s working. Taxes and crime are down, and there is a sincere push to make the village thrive once again.

In 2007 Sullivan County witnessed many ups and downs.

County Clerk George Cooke was forced to step down over something that should have just been a reprimand.  The accusations levied against him were wrong.

Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini returned to the job after a long illness, only to discover that his wife Linda lost her job as the head of the United Way. 

The campaign season was rough and nasty. There were many unexpected casualties including the ousting of Supervisors Frank DeMayo, Harold Russell, and Gregg Semenetz. All three must be acknowledged for their public service. The legislature will also have new leadership.

Two new shining stars appeared on our horizon, Neil Gilberg and Cindy Barber. I am certain we have not heard the last from them, nor should we.

As a Christmas present, Chris Cunningham was appointed our new Commissioner of Health and Family Services. Naturally, the appointment was due to qualifications and not politics, because that is how things are done in Sullivan County. In any event, hopefully he will excel in the job, and have the compassion needed to deal with the real issues he will confront. The Cunningham family may have even hit the daily double, with rumors circulating that sister Colleen might be the next County Attorney.

Sullivan County is at a crossroads. We are in a major budget crunch, and our economic conditions must get better for many of us to survive here. David Fanslau continued his efforts to turn our county around. Hopefully in 2008 we will see more of his hard work come to fruition. The legislature has to allow him to independently manage our government.

During this past year, our law enforcement agencies made inroads in the war against crime, gangs and illegal drug sales.  Hopefully plans for a new jail will be finalized in the New Year.

As I predicted, the Charter Review Commission proved to be a waste of time. We can forget about the creation of a full-time County Executive or a revamping of our government.  At least the Sheriff’s Patrol will finally be included in our charter.

Catskill Regional Medical Center has new leadership and board of directors. The bitter feud with Crystal Run is finally over. Proper medical care must first and foremost.   

Casino Gaming for Sullivan County is still a crapshoot. When we think we have succeeded, we move two steps backwards. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorn should be ashamed of the game he is playing with us.

Senator John McCain’s innuendo that Alan Gerry was using his influence to secure government grants for a Woodstock Museum was deplorable.

The remnants of the devastating floods are still being felt. We still have to do more to prevent the damage “Mother Nature” can bring upon us.

It is essential that we acknowledge all the dedicated people in Sullivan County who go out of their way for us. 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. Proprietors Nick and Helen Tsicalos of the Liberty Diner for example, donate a New Year’s luncheon serving those in need to over 200 people every year. The list goes on and on.

That is the spirit we need to embrace as we ring in 2008 – helping others while making productive change in Sullivan County!

My New Year’s resolution to you is that I will continue to keep roaring about the issues confronting Sullivan County.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

Email Bill