While the old planning board was comprised of honorable and respectable people, they were often confronted [...]]]> The Forestburg Town Board took a courageous step last week and disbanded their Planning Board. A new planning board will eventually be appointed and put into place, but until then the Town Board will be doing the job.

While the old planning board was comprised of honorable and respectable people, they were often confronted with making some tough decisions that were at times contrary to or delayed the process and wishes of the town board and residents.

Planning board members go through extensive research and training of the law and are a vital part in any government. Nonetheless, the new town board wanted to sort and wash things out.

A problem facing municipalities is that planning boards, with its members having various expiration dates to their terms, are at times not on the same page as elected officials, and can delay, stop, or make it very difficult for a noteworthy project being pushed by a town board from being approved.

While what the Forestburg Town Board did may be extreme, in actuality it should be the responsibility of the elected leadership of a municipality to discuss their intent and objectives with their appointees ensuring that they will all work together achieving the same goals.

Supervisor Bill Sipos told me his board was “giving the town back to the people. We are opening up government. We need to tidy up town, county, and state government to make it free flowing and work again.”

Our County and Townships need sound planning, land use and zoning practices. Orderly growth and development must always be balanced with the protection of natural resources. Major problems arise when planning boards do not act on the wishes of those elected to run municipalities.

In fact, it is vital and an obligation that our elected officials do their due diligence and speak with and interview all appointed board members about their intentions to serve, and in some cases be asked to resubmit their desire to stay on these boards or resign even if their terms might not have expired.

On the County level, our legislature appoints people to various boards. The most talked about and controversial being the Industrial Developmental Agency (IDA), formed to “promote economic welfare, recreation opportunities, prevent unemployment and economic deterioration, ensure the prosperity of Sullivan County’s inhabitants, and promote tourism and trade.”

While the IDA board is appointed by the Sullivan County Legislature, and is completely voluntary like a planning board, there were no set terms for its members until recently.

The legislature must take the example set by the Forestburg Town Board and consider some immediate actions regarding the IDA.
Although the IDA is comprised of reputable and honorable people, some have been serving on it for over 15 years, some are now elected officials, and some have retired from the business world. Waiting for terms to expire will be too long especially for a legislature that says it wants to make a lot of change.

The IDA created a questionable mirrored funding corporation, and all board members should be called in to fully explain it to them. They also need to tell legislators their intentions, goals, and why they want to remain on this significant and influential board.

Great work Forestburg Town Board, now let’s hope others will follow in your footsteps.

According to crime statistics from the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sullivan [...]]]> District Attorney Jim Farrell is worried about a recent spike in residential home burglaries in Sullivan County. According to Farrell burglaries are always a perennial problem, but recently the number of homes burglarized has increased dramatically.

According to crime statistics from the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sullivan County experienced approximately 433 burglaries in 2010. Those numbers are up nearly 19% through the third quarter in 2011 and expected to top 500 for the full year.

Farrell told me, “In the past, many of the burglaries have been burglaries to seasonal residences discovered when homeowners returned. Now we are seeing a trend where burglars are becoming more brazen and targeting year-round occupied residences stealing jewelry and valuable electronics. These homes are being targeted during the daytime hours when owners are gone at work. We believe in some instances burglars are watching people leave to ensure no one is home.”

“A home should be a sanctuary from outside influences and a place where a family should feel safe and secure,” Farrell emphasized.

Many homes burglarized have been targeted for the value of the copper piping that connects heating and plumbing systems. “Can you image coming home to find the copper pipe ripped out of your home prohibiting you from heating it and having to spend thousands of dollars to replace and repair the damage,” Farrell said.

While Farrell notes law enforcement is apprehending and prosecuting more burglars, he stresses the need for the public to help solve these crimes. “We need neighbors to look out for neighbors and to call the police if they see something out of the ordinary or suspicious. Far too often when the investigators and detectives look into these cases a neighbor did see something but did not do anything about it. We need folks to look out for each other and take note of information that is critical in finding the culprit such as a make and model of any vehicles and the plate number. Law enforcement’s most important asset in these cases is the observant citizen.”

Legislator Cora Edwards, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, discussing Farrell’s concerns said, “There is no question that we face challenging times with a spike in burglaries. As citizens, we can build on the success of our effective Neighborhood Watch programs by creating a strong network county-wide. Together, we can form a committed partnership between our professional public safety officers, legislators, and active citizens to achieve realistic goals to make Sullivan County safer and more secure. It may not be easy, but it is worth doing. The Public Safety Committee will be making an assessment to present for public comment and a commitment to implement a plan of action.”

Sullivan County, N.Y. Neighborhood Watch, one of the fastest growing local Facebook groups was recently formed with the intention of helping law enforcement bring crime under control through Community awareness, and determent.

Farrell says his office will continue to vigorously prosecute residential burglaries. “I and my staff are committed to treating the invasion of our homes seriously and we will continue to make sure these individuals are held accountable and responsible. Those who engage in this behavior should be aware that when caught they will go to prison.”

As the Liberty High [...]]]> It was truly a historic day for Sullivan County as our legislators were sworn into office last week. The enthusiastic crowd of diverse residents packing the government center had one thing on their mind, and that is to see our new leaders succeed in their drive to make positive productive change.

As the Liberty High School Chorus performed, Scott Samuelson, Kathy LaBuda, Kitty Vitter, Jonathan Rouis, Cindy Kurpil Gieger, Cora Edwards, Gene Benson, Ira Steingart, and Alan Sorensen took their oaths in an often emotional and joyous ceremony.

One of the most touching moments came when County Court Judge Frank LaBuda swore in his wife Kathy LaBuda as their daughter Erika held the bible.

After the ceremonies, the action moved upstairs for the reorganizational meeting.

Scott Samuelson is the perfect choice for chairman. He is nonpolitical, and has the leadership skills to work well with everyone. Samuelson’s objectiveness affords him the ability to analyze all aspects of an issue before reaching a conclusion. He has the demeanor, intelligence, and people skills we need in a person in charge and that of a spokesman.

Gene Benson is more than able-bodied to be vice chairman and work effectively with Samuelson.

Equally impressive are the legislators Samuelson selected to head important committees. He put the right people in the right places, not because of politics, but because of expertise.

Who better than Ira Steingart to head Community and Economic Development and the IDA? Steingart is a successful businessman who knows economic development and business retention. He will certainly shake things up.

The selection of Cindy Gieger and Kitty Vetter to head Health and Family Services is exceptional. If two registered nurses do not understand the needs of health and family services then who would?

Jonathan Rouis is spot on for Management and Budget. He is a successful certified public accountant, and knows the budget process.

Cora Edwards is the ultimate person to head Public Safety. She is a true advocate for law enforcement, and understands that in order for Sullivan County to attract economic development, new homeowners, and tourists, we must live in a safe and secure environment.

As our former Planning Commissioner, Alan Sorenson knows Planning, Environmental Management and Real Planning. Sorenson is a respected leader in the field, and his input will be more than valuable.

Kathy LaBuda understands Public Works inside and out. She is a true advocate for our workforce, and knows how important it is for our infrastructure to be maintained and updated for our safety.

Over the next few weeks and months our new leaders will be reviewing, discussing, and making changes to county government. I am confident they will make appropriate adjustments to provide us with a more efficient, productive, and transparent government.

The road to repair the damage done will not be easy. One just has to look at the recently released report from Pattern for Progress to see how horrific things really are. Poverty affects one of out of every five residents, and we are ranked nearly last out of 62 counties in terms of a healthy population.

We must think out of the box, be innovative, and come up with a long term plan. Those that have become too comfortable and lazy better wake up real fast, because the new bosses in town are not going to put up with it.

Cuomo is unquestionably right. We need casino gaming and we need it now. But, haven’t we heard all this before? [...]]]> Governor Andrew Cuomo in his State of the State address last week said that he wants legalized gaming approved in the Catskills. He tells us the industry would add millions to the state coffers.

Cuomo is unquestionably right. We need casino gaming and we need it now. But, haven’t we heard all this before? The drive to bring legalized casino gaming has been alive and dead for years. We have seen governor after governor and politician after politician tell us they will deliver it as a means of economic development.

How can we forget employees at hotels such as the Concord, Kutsher’s, Grossinger’s, Browns, Raleigh, Pines, and Stevensville to name a few, wearing buttons stating “Casinos Mean Jobs.” Sadly, instead of casinos, one hotel after another closed. We all witnessed the destruction of one of the largest resort/hotel industries in the United States before our very eyes, and no one even lifted and eyelash to try and stop it from happening.

The Villa Roma, our only hotel that has stuck through thick and thin, has never even been included in any of the casino proposals. Despite begging and pleading to be integrated into the video slot market, they have been ignored by everyone.
The racino at Monticello Raceway opened with enormous fanfare, but somewhere along the line as other racinos opened and casinos became legalized in Pennsylvania revenues went sour.

Sullivan County officials negotiated agreement after agreement with Indian Tribe after Indian Tribe. The Mohawks, Seneca’s, Oneidas, and Stockbridge Munsee’s were all coming here. Not only were we going to get $15 million a year in fees from each, but we were getting jobs, hotels, spas, convention centers, concert halls, restaurants, boutique shopping stores, and so on and so on.

When approval for the Stockbridge Munsee casino was imminent last year, it was stopped in part by the foreign casino investors behind the Monticello and Aqueduct Racinos.

On top of all that, the Concord property is divided between Cappelli and his new partner Mohegan Sun, and Empire Resorts and their partner Entertainment Properties Trust. Both want to open racetracks and racinos. Entertainment Properties Trust last week purchased the Monster Golf Course. All the parties involved at the Concord must stop the games and come to terms.
Empire Resorts major shareholder Genting Group of Malaysia is also the developer being touted by Cuomo to build the massive convention center and casino at Aqueduct.

A hotel resort in Sullivan County can still be successful despite what is being pushed at Aqueduct. Sullivan County would bring different types of conventions and offer things like golf, fishing, and outdoor swimming that Aqueduct could not.
Simply put, Sullivan County cannot wait for construction to begin after two legislative sessions and a voter referendum. What we need is for construction of a resort/convention center to begin immediately as a racino and then have the property converted into a casino if it becomes legal.

Lawsuits can be anticipated from other casino developers if the Genting Group is guaranteed two casinos while others are not, and anti-casino groups will also mount extensive lobby campaigns.

I for one will never give up in supporting casino gaming for Sullivan County, but I have to admit, there is something very wrong when Pennsylvania surpasses Atlantic City in gaming revenues and we still have nothing.

Maybe one day we will hit the jackpot, but until then, we keep dreaming.

Our County government has literally run out of money as social service programs are bleeding taxpayers to death. Motels intended for tourism are being utilized for section 8 housing and [...]]]> Sullivan County enters 2012 in one of the most trying times in recent memory. It is hard to imagine how we have gotten this way.

Our County government has literally run out of money as social service programs are bleeding taxpayers to death. Motels intended for tourism are being utilized for section 8 housing and lodging sex offenders.

Merchants and area restaurants are holding on just to survive, despite questionable statistics that say they are thriving.

Our law enforcement community is combating crime like never before seen. Arrests are up, and so are convictions. Gang warfare and drug trafficking have become a way of life in parts of Sullivan County.

Economic development is dreary. We offer college graduates very little when it comes to employment opportunities. Even plans to develop the Apollo Plaza are being bogged down.

Our hopes for casino gaming has disenfranchised everyone. We have become the joke of the industry as other regions flourish. On top of all that we are still talking Concord.

Yet, it is not all doom and gloom as we approach 2012. There is a shining ray of hope.

Disgusted and angered, our electorate sent a loud and clear message proclaiming “enough was enough,” and elected six newcomers to the Sullivan County Legislature. All campaigned on the need for positive productive change, and I am certain they will begin to do just that when they take office next week.

As one new legislator told me, “a broom and shovel will be needed to clean house.” While I could not agree more, I feel compelled to acknowledge and thank those legislators who are leaving us.

David Sager, Ron Hiatt, and Frank Armstrong decided not to seek reelection, and Jodi Goodman, Elwin Wood, and Leni Binder lost their election bids. Even though I differed with them at times, I am certain they all did their best to serve us admirably and make our quality of life better.

I hope David Sager remains in the public arena and seeks elective office again. He is a true gem of a public servant. And, Leni Binder will always be our “Legislady.”

Obviously, all of our problems in 2011 were not Sullivan County driven. As our state officials face reelection in 2012, their feet must be held to the fire to make certain they work towards ending unfunded mandates and assist in finding meaningful economic development for Sullivan County.

Once the new districts are drawn, it will be interesting to see who runs against Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, State Senator John Bonacic, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey. One also has to speculate if they will even seek reelection to the same positions.

In 2012, I hope our legislators, supervisors, and state officials will work together and meet regularly to discuss issues. We need to see more consolidation when it comes to purchasing and utilizing services.

The days ahead will indeed be intriguing for Sullivan County as there is a lot of work ahead. Change will not happen overnight, but I am confident our new legislature will be the catalyst and new beginning we need to make life better in Sullivan County.

In am convinced incumbents Kathy LaBuda, Jonathan Rouis, and Alan Sorensen will work well with newcomers Scott Samuelson, Ira Steingart, Gene Benson, Cora Edwards, Cindy Kurpil Gieger, and Kitty Vetter.

As a horrific and tragic door closes for many of us, hopefully a new and bright one will open in 2012. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

There were allegations of mismanagement and deplorable animal living conditions. The facility was shut down due to deadly outbreaks of parvovirus, and many local townships severed ties.

After [...]]]> Sullivan County’s SPCA’s has had a bumpy ride during the past several years. It went from having a pristine reputation to being plagued with many problems.

There were allegations of mismanagement and deplorable animal living conditions. The facility was shut down due to deadly outbreaks of parvovirus, and many local townships severed ties.

After an extensive tour of the SPCA last week, I am elated to say those deplorable days are gone. The SPCA is once again thriving as a respected animal shelter thanks to a new Board of Directors and proper management. Cats were found in a loving playroom, dogs were properly being cared for, and the facility was spotless.

The major problem confronting the SPCA these days is the desperate need for additional funding and space. Although they are expanding their cat room doubling the size, it is just not enough.

The SPCA is a winner of the Sullivan Renaissance Environmental Award for the restoration of the horse paddock, barn and removal of 200 yards of garbage. They claim to have formed a task force to help the control of the feral cat population, and have four full time employees and countless number of volunteers.

Still, there are critics of the SPCA who argue that they are actually in the business of selling dogs bred out of state and not there to help with our local animal population and problems. In reality, thanks to their dog sales they can survive as an SPCA.

Discussing the vast improvements undertaken, President Manon Fortier told me, “Theoretically, the mission of the organization has not changed. It was always suppose to be about the sheltering and caring of homeless and neglected animals and their adoption in loving homes. However, the level of professionalism, dedication and extensive experience of the new board, staff and volunteers is at the very center of the transformation of the SPCA.”

“Without a competent and caring team of people to implement a mission statement, it’s just a bunch of empty words on a page. We finally have that team in place now and we look forward to the continued growth and expansion of the shelter.

Board member Matt McNeil added, “We will never stop improving the ways we provide local care for animals and the families that take them into their homes.”

Sullivan County resident Denise Sarett Connolly told me she adopted a dog from the SPCA and said “remarkable changes” at the facility is an “understatement. I have adopted from there over the years and always thought it was poorly run, but under current manager Debbie, amazing changes in everything from the facility to the adoption process, and help if needed after the adoption. I was happy to make a donation last week because I know the money is being spent wisely.”

SPCA officials told me they applaud Joanne Gerow’s efforts to help control Sullivan County’s stray cat population, and they fully supports her drive to open a Humane Society for cats and dogs to work alongside them to further serve animals in Sullivan County.