Starting with a Clean Slate

by: Bill Liblick

It has been a few weeks now since our newly elected legislature took the reins. It is still too early to tell how the new marriage between Democrats and Republicans will work out.

I attended the swearing in ceremonies and there was a feeling in the room that everyone was starting with a clean slate.

Even those whom I had been so critical of in the past extended a hand.

Chairman Jonathan Rouis sarcastically told me I was his biggest fan as he shook my hand; while Vice-chairman Ron Hiatt said he was glad to see me.

Elwin Wood invited me to tour the Town of Rockland and Parksville with him to discuss flooding and Interstate 86. We agreed to meet and do just that.

Democrats Frank Armstrong and Kathy LaBuda also embraced me.

It is obvious that in the past I have been critical of the Democratic leadership for not being inclusive of Republicans. It was distressing seeing legislators Leni Binder and Jodi Goodman shut out of the process. But, it is a new day and time, and the opportunity is there for a new beginning.

The Democrats have only a one-seat majority, and there are two newly elected Republicans, David Sager and Alan Sorensen. Both men have the skills to excel for us. In fact, Sorensen has already come up with a new and refreshing idea by proposing that meetings of the legislature be broadcast live via the Internet.

In local politics everyone must unite and work together, party affiliation should not be a factor in running government. There will always be differences, but by listening to diverse ideas and bringing everyone to the table a lot can be accomplished. The campaign season is over, and we will not be electing a new legislature for another four years. Our only concern right now should be doing what is right for Sullivan County.

Naturally, due to the previous political climate at the government center, it is will take some time for trusts and relationships to be developed between legislators.

Hopefully there is a new start in communications and an attempt at unity. It will be up to Jonathan Rouis and Ron Hiatt, as the leaders of the legislature to take us in a direction of bipartisanship.

Our elected officials have an obligation to reach out to one another to discuss the issues and seriously tackle them. It would be detrimental to our survival if there were no sharing of ideas. Closed door caucuses cannot still rule the day, even though they will probably never go away completely. 

With our grim economic outlook there must be a sense of fiscal responsibility. The legislature must make their decisions based on the facts, and not be steered by agenda and the “good ole' boys” mentality that has ruled our county for so long. 

Two major issues the legislature will be taking up, the landfill and construction of a new jail are not political in nature. They will provide a test to see how our newly elected body will work together.

It’s still the honeymoon period, and we have to give them a chance.

Email Bill