What Will You Decide on Tuesday?

by: Bill Liblick

This coming Tuesday will be an important day in Sullivan County’s history. Our entire Legislature will be up for grabs, as will County Clerk, County Judge, Coroner, and all Town Supervisors. Your participation will be imperative.

First and foremost, the candidates and voters of Sullivan County should be grateful for the services the Sullivan County Democrat provides us during a campaign season. Profiles on candidates, fair and balanced reporting, and the opportunity for average citizens to express their diverse opinions in writing is why the Sullivan County Democrat is such a respected newspaper. The publishers and editors are never muzzled by political pressure; their standard is clearly freedom of expression and responsible journalism. I am not persuaded other media outlets can say the same.

As you know I have been very critical of the current leadership of the legislature. I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to discuss the issues with you. Whether you agree or disagree with what I have to say, hopefully my columns create dialogue.

I honestly do not feel Sullivan County is a better place today than it was four years ago. I am convinced there needs to be change in the legislature. That does not mean I am saying vote party line without examining the candidates in each district, and their qualifications.

At the end of the day, you will decide if you are happy with the way our county is being run, or if you want us to proceed in a new direction. I hope you choose the latter.

All eyes will be on the contest for County Clerk and County Court Judge.

Neil Gilberg who unlike his opponent Dan Briggs is considered an outsider from Sullivan County’s old political network. He was appointed by Governor Eliot Spitzer earlier this year when long time County Clerk George Cooke resigned. I applaud Democratic County Chairman Timothy Hill for recommending Gilberg.

Briggs has been utilizing the word "education" a lot during the campaign, is he trying to tell us that Gilberg is not educated? If he is, that is an insult. I do not see Briggs practicing law although he mentions he has a law degree.

In any event, Gilberg and Briggs are honorable, trustworthy, and respectable candidates. I would have preferred to see Briggs run for the legislature, that is where he belongs, but that was his choice.

As far as I can see it, Spitzer made an excellent decision in selecting Gilberg. His job performance has been outstanding. I do not see any valid reasons why he should not continue as our County Clerk.

The discussion in most political circles involves whether insurgent Bethel Town Judge Cindy Barber will be successful in her bid to unseat County Judge Burt Ledina. Unfortunately, the race has gone below the belt, with surprisingly Ledina taking the low road.

State law forces county court judges to step down due to age limitations. If Ledina is reelected he will be required to retire within three years of the ten-year term. This law clearly must be changed. A competency test should be given to avoid this form of age discrimination.

I still cannot understand how an Independent screening panel could determine that Barber is qualified, while the Sullivan County Bar Association does not.

The contest for coroner is not a dead one. Alan Kesten has complained that his challenger Victor Marinello “has grossly exaggerated his experience.” Marinello says this is not true.

There are big races in all local townships involving supervisors and council members. In Liberty will incumbent Frank DeMayo be unseated because he switched political parties? Voters must decide if John Schmidt has more to offer, party affiliation should not be a factor. The dynamic Tony Cellini, who has returned to the job after a long illness, will once again face David Appel. This time Appel has the Republican nod, but not the support of the Town of Thompson Republican Committee. In Fallsburg, will Kenny DeMars sway enough votes to over come Supervisor Steve Levine’s hold on the township?

There are no national or statewide races to motivate the electorate this year. The election will boil down to this - voter turn out.  The candidates who get their troops out will win. Let your voice be heard. Vote on Tuesday.

Email Bill