| November 24th,2011 By Bill Liblick Everyone has their own definition of thanksgiving. For some it is a time when family and friends gather and share warmth and love,others gear up for shopping frenzies,while still others plan their weekend watching football and sitting on the couch. Thanksgiving has always been a time when we remember people in need and try to make lives better by sharing warm meals. For me,Thanksgiving has always been a time of reflection,a time to take stock and evaluate what I have to be thankful for. This year has been one of the most difficult trying times in my life. The horrific sexual assault and tragic passing of my developmentally disabled sister Paula has forever changed my life. During this thanksgiving season,I am grateful and thankful for all those people who continually are there for me during this difficult time. They literally keep me going. I am tremendously thankful to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther for her efforts to keep Paula’s name alive by introducing legislation named after her mandating surveillance cameras be placed outside of all state run group homes and day programs. I pray “Paula’s Law” is signed into law in 2012 to protect our most vulnerable. I am thankful and grateful for Sullivan County residents and their strong resolve and desire to always help those in need. When a disaster occurs we always unite as one big family. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated people who volunteer their services for us. Our firefighters,ambulance workers,and members of civic and religious organizations continually go above and beyond their call of duty. We must be thankful to all the members of our law enforcement community and those in the military who constantly risk their lives for us. These people have a spirit in them that words cannot express. Although I am often critical of many of our elected officials and their approach to running our government,I am equally grateful for all they do for us. I am thankful that our electorate proves time and time again that they will not allow party affiliation to be their determining factor in electing candidates. Hopefully everyone will unite to work for a better and more prosperous Sullivan County. Unfortunately,the holidays are not a joyous of time of year for many people. There are those who have no one to celebrate with,and they tend to become sad and lonely. Depression is known to occur more frequently,as the days get shorter and it becomes colder. We must be thankful to all of the charitable organizations that are there for those in need. The holiday season is a time we should embrace all of our fellow human beings no matter their race,creed,color,sexual orientation,or economic status Let’s be thankful for what we have,and share the joy with those around us. Kiki,Dudley,and now George and Gracie are thankful for their loving home. They asked me to remind everyone to please leave out an extra bowl of food for that stray cat. And,if anyone would like to adopt a new cat,I know several strays that would love to be in a warm indoor home for the holidays. Let’s all keep the spirit of thanksgiving alive all year long. November 18th,2011 By Bill Liblick It appears the days of the “ole boy’s network” having a stronghold over Sullivan County is finally over. The people have spoken,and there will dramatic change in our county government come January. Six people entering the political arena for the first time were elected to the Sullivan County Legislature. All campaigned on opening up our government to the people,and a strong desire to tackle the many problems facing our county. The biggest winner was clearly the Sullivan County voter. Our electorate proved they will not allow party affiliation to be their determining factor in electing candidates. They also shot down the theory that secondary political lines are needed for one to be elected to political office. There are those that are arguing this was an anti incumbency election,and to that I say hogwash. Three seats were open and three incumbents were reelected to office. This election was a mandate by the voters to elect people who were new to the political scene and were not connected to a select inner circle. People wanted change. I am very proud of all those elected to the legislature and very proud of the voters of Sullivan County. Cindy Gieger,Cora Edwards,Kitty Vetter,Scott Samuelson,Gene Benson,and Ira Steingart will be free thinkers controlled by no one. Their only agenda will be to do what is best for Sullivan County. They will ask the tough questions and work endlessly to get us out of the turmoil we are in. I am also convinced they will work well with incumbents Jonathan Rouis,Kathy LaBuda,and Alan Sorenson. Leni Binder,Elwin Wood,and Jodi Goodman can hold their heads up high. They all served us to the best of their ability,and must be thanked for their years of dedication and commitment to Sullivan County. Leni Binder will always be our “Legislady,” and a place must be found for her in government. Gregg Semenetz,Rick Lander,Amanda Ward,Nick Salomone,and John Sundholm must also be thanked for coming forward and wanting to serve us. They are good honest people. Congratulations are also in order to County Clerk Dan Briggs and Coroner Alan Kasten. I am glad they ran unopposed. Both deserved to be reelected. On the town level,congratulations are in order to all of our supervisors,council members,and others elected to political office. I know many of them personally and am certain they will all do their part in making a difference in Sullivan County.
I hope our legislators and supervisors will begin to work together and meet regularly to discuss the issues. It must also be made clear that the County Manager works for the legislature and that they are ultimately responsible for the way our county is run. It is equally essential that County Treasurer Ira Cohen is brought to the table. The days ahead will be intriguing for Sullivan County and there is a lot of work ahead. Change will not happen overnight,but I am certain we will begin to see some major differences once the new legislature is sworn in. Politics must now be put aside,and we must all work together. Congratulations to all the winners. November 10th,2011 By Bill Liblick This past Tuesday we all had the opportunity to express our freedom of democracy by voting for the candidates of our choice. On Friday we must all take time out to honor and pay tribute to all those brave men and woman who fought long hard to give us that democracy. If it were not for our veterans,life as we know it in the United States would be far different.
Veteran’s Day began as Armistice Day a celebration of the termination of World War I on November 11,1918. President Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day in 1954 realizing those who brought the end to war were more deserving of accolades than the end of war itself. Sullivan County does everything feasible to assist these brave men and women who are our veterans. The Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency provides entitlement information and advocacy assistance to military personnel,to military veterans,and their dependents in matters related to federal,state and local benefits. They are not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs,but instead are a county agency dedicated to serving veterans and their families. They are knowledgeable on the huge array of programs,benefits and services that are available to all veterans. John Crotty,Director of the Veterans Service Agency,spoke with me about Veteran’s Day and what it means to him. “For the love of country,family,and faith members of this nation,some not even citizens,swore an oath to defend and bear true faith to a concept of life defined by the Constitution of the United States. This is a profound act that few people outside of military service are ever called upon to perform.” Crotty added,“A price came with this pledge including drastically altered lifestyles,separation from family and home,hardships,and sometimes worse. This commitment and the memories of service did not end when they took off their uniforms. Veterans are still standing up to be counted and have contributed much to their communities. The oath does not fade with time.” In Sullivan County there are many events that will pay tribute to our veterans including,a Veterans’ Day Service at 10:30 AM at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello. Al Etkin will be the Master of Ceremonies,sponsored by the American Legion,Jewish War Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Keynote Speaker will be Sanders Matthews,President of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point. There will also be a Veterans Day Ceremony in Roscoe at 9 AM at the Roscoe Fire Department,and in Liberty 10:30 AM at the Clarence Hoyt VFW Post 9217 will be observing Veterans Day at the Liberty Elks Lodge 1545 at 21 John Street and their Keynote Speaker will be Town Judge Brian Rourke. In Wurtsboro there will be a ceremony at 11 AM in Veterans Park,Sponsored by American Legion Post 1266 and guest speaker will be County Court Judge Frank LaBuda. Sergeant Andrew C. Brucher will be conducting a service on at 11 AM,at the Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake. On Saturday,the Annual Veteran’s Day Parade,Sponsored by The Woodbourne Fire Company will begin at 1 PM. Please come out and show your support of our Veterans. November 4th,2011 By Bill Liblick One of the most cherished rights we have in our great country is the right to vote. It is vital that we all come out to vote on Tuesday not only to elect the people who we feel will best represent us,but also to make a valiant statement as to what it means to be able to vote. Only a small portion of those eligible to vote register to vote,and of them an even smaller portion actually comes out to vote. Voter apathy is often to blame for low turnouts. If you are one of those people who thinks voting is a waste of time,then you really don’t understand what the privilege of voting means,and you should change your tune. Voting is one of the fundamental processes instrumental in the development of a healthy democracy. Be it an election for legislator,supervisor,or town council,it is the people who we elect that will have the rights to formulate policies that will affect our county and towns. Think of people who are living under oppressive dictatorships and cannot exercise their rights to diverse opinions. We see it every night on the nightly news. Our right to vote is our right of expression and opinion. Do not take this right for granted. Try and appreciate the power of voting by exercising it. Many of us tend to forget that not all American voters have always been allowed to participate in elections. African-American males were not given the right to vote until five years after the conclusion of the Civil War. The 15th Amendment gave men of color the right to vote in 1870,while women didn’t receive the same right to vote until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Although the 15th amendment declared the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race,color,or previous condition of servitude.”That promise would not be fully realized for almost a century. Through the use of poll taxes,literacy tests and other means,Southern states were able to effectively disenfranchise blacks. It would take the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to really move us forward. There are no national or statewide races to motivate the electorate this year. The election will boil down to this –voter turnout. The candidates who get their troops out will win. Don’t let anybody tell you that one vote doesn’t matter. Remember,
the 2000 presidential election was decided by fewer than 600 votes in the state of Florida. In Sullivan County,many local elections have been decided by a handful of votes. No matter who wins on Tuesday,all of the candidates seeking elective office must be thanked for coming forward. They are all good people who are truly concerned about our future and want to do something about it. They undoubtedly are not running because of the salary,but instead because they really care. Show them you care too by coming out and voting for the candidate of your choice. Good luck to all. October 28th,2011 By Bill Liblick Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) can officially boast the rebirth of our hospital as Phase One of the Emergency Room (ER) project is now complete. Thanks to new and invigorated leadership,gone are the days of bad health care and poor management. Remarkably the landmark $6 million ER project was made possible without costing the hospital any money. State Senator John Bonacic secured almost $2.5 million in state funding for the construction and equipment;Alan Gerry and The Gerry Foundation contributed almost $2.5 million;Congressman Maurice Hinchey secured $300,000 and the Rural Health Access Grant enabled $200,000 for equipment. Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther was also instrumental in the project. Once completed in February,the entire ER will be twice as large,with eight fast-track rooms for rapid assessment and treatment of minor injuries,and 16 dedicated treatment rooms for care of serious injuries. The expansion and reconfiguration will ease patient flow and help reduce patient wait times,in addition to improving patient comfort,privacy and amenities. The newly expanded ER provides Sullivan County with enhanced patient environment,including on-site security and private treatment rooms with flat-screen LCD TVs,new technology for diagnostic testing and advanced emergency care,wireless bedside monitoring increasing patient comfort,and a private consultation room for families dealing with grief or an emergency situation. Discussing how important it is that we have a well functioning ER,Bonacic told me,“Throughout one’s life,if you live in Sullivan County,in times of crisis,you will need quality emergency care. Chances are you or someone you know will find yourself at CRMC’s emergency room at some point in your life. Alan Gerry and I put together the new ER at CRMC simply because it was needed.” Praising Gerry,Bonacic added,“I wish I had an Alan and Sandra Gerry in every County I represent,because with people willing to make private donations to match or surpass public funds,you can raise the quality of life for all people in the region. Now,CRMC is stronger. It’s relationship with Orange Regional has strengthened both facilities,and people can receive high quality emergency care,in modern emergency rooms across both Sullivan and Orange Counties (Orange has a new hospital with a new ER which Alan and Sandra Gerry also helped make happen). It is a win for the people,and what public service is all about.” Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther,a former nurse at CRMC,noted,“After more than three decades it was time that the ER was expanded. Having worked at the hospital for many years and seeing the cramped conditions in the ER,I know this expansion will only improve patient care and efficiency. I congratulate the board of directors and all the staff who have worked to make this a reality.” Gerald Skoda,chairman of CRMC’s Board of Directors called the ER’s completion “an exciting time. I applaud the hospital and everyone who has been working together to advance patient care for our community.” CRMC’s spokesman JP McGuirk said the newly expanded ER will “ease patient flow and help reduce wait times,ultimately enhancing the level of service the hospital provides to meet the community’s needs.” May none of us ever require the services of the new ER,but it is good to know it is there. October 21st,2011 By Bill Liblick Sticks and stones may break my bones,but words will never hurt me. Diverse points of views and open and honest debate of issues is how our democratic society was founded. We all have a right to agree and disagree and even agree to disagree. But,what we must not do is misrepresent a person’s character,destroy one’s personal life,or use physical force. In this column my objective has always been to write about issues. Although what I do here might be considered written bullying to some,it actually ought to generate debate and conversation in the public arena. However,if while I do this,I offend or hurt anyone personally,I apologize,because that has not been my intent. I hope those who attack me would say the same. Bullying has been a subject in the news a lot lately and for far graver reasons. Schools are plagued with children bullying other children,and District Attorney Jim Farrell has started an initiative to combat bullying. Farrell wants to nip this problem in the bud. Our DA has been visiting schools and lecturing students on the dangers and consequences of bullying. The statistics he uses are frightening,and we must all be grateful that Farrell has made this a top priority. Bullying is often dismissed as a part of growing up,but it’s actually an early form of aggressive and violent behavior. As Farrell sees it,“bullying prevention in schools is actually crime prevention.” Statistics show that 60 percent of children that bully usually end up with felony records as adults,and 160,000 children in America skip school every day because they fear being attacked or intimidated by other students. The Department of Justice reports that 37 percent of students don’t feel safe in their school,and Institute of Health reports that 33 percent of all students in the 6 to 10 grades nationwide experienced some kind of bullying. Farrell told me his presentation focuses on educating kids about the serious consequences of bullying and that those that are experiencing bullying must tell an adult. “Our adults,our parents,teachers,school administrators should be prepared to act and hold the bully responsible and accountable. We all must be engaged to end bullying. There must be consequences for this behavior.” The presentation seeks to engage the group with the most power in the school,the bystanders,the kids who stand by and watch,laugh and give the bully an audience. “I want to encourage them to stand up for others,to show compassion,to not be a bystander but to be a witness,resister and defender of the victims. I explain the difference between tattling and telling and how the difference is important.” Farrell said. To counter attack bullying,Farrell said he is encouraging bystanders to act strong in a chain and to stand up for the victim. “I would like them to say,‘Stop,’ and for the next person to say,‘Why are you being mean?’ and for the next person to say:‘Knock it off’ and for the next person to say,‘Leave him alone,’ and so on and so on for a chain reaction of compassion and help. The bystanders are now standing up and making a commitment to end bullying and are the heroes.” We all have a lesson to learn –even us adults. October 13th,2011 By Bill Liblick Early this week I walked through Zuccotti Park near Wall Street and observed the clusters of people organizing,protesting,and camping out. As I listened to the protesters,and came face to face with Rev. Al Sharpton (who posed for a photo),I thought about our plight in Sullivan County and how bad the economy is all over the country. Sullivan County has been hurting for a much longer time,and in reality the rest of the country is catching up.
We are said to be facing a $13 million budget deficit. I have been trying for weeks to get some information from County Manager David Fanslau as to where we are headed,and he finally responded. In reality,Fanslau reports and works for the legislature,and with this being an election year,it is understandable why there is so much silence. No incumbent wants to displease a voting public especially when the news is not good. Sullivan County officials are facing some very tough decisions. State and Federal mandates are a reality,and a new element added to make it even harder to balance a budget is tax caps. This could possibly force layoffs and service cutbacks. Candidates on the campaign trail should be able to tell us how they would balance our budget and what they would cut,but they need information. Unfortunately,the preliminary budget will not be released until after the election. This is utterly contemptible,and legislator Alan Sorensen who is running unopposed agrees. Sorensen told me he has advocated for the tentative budget to be provided by October 1st. “I think the voters have a right to see it before an election. While it is prepared by the County Manager,it will reflect a number of policy decisions,which the Legislature will need to decide upon such as will there be a real property increase,what services will be provided,etc.” Fanslau sees things differently. He claims the budget cannot be released before Election Day for various reasons. Although we know sales tax is down about $4.6 million from 2008 levels,Fanslau says “it is critically important to accurately project sales tax revenues. The reconciliation of the third quarter collections is reported to Sullivan County about the third week in October. Therefore,it would be imprudent to forecast sales tax revenues for the succeeding fiscal year without the actual third quarter reconciliation.” Fanslau also says the final pension bill won’t be received for 2012 until at least mid-October. “And,the final determination on whether the County will spend $18 million rather than $16.8 million on health insurance in 2012 won’t be determined until October 31,2011.” Fanslau concluded,“The development of the 2012 tentative budget is a fluid and changing process,but it is dependent on the results of the major revenue streams and expenses described above. Again,the foundational goal is to appropriate no more in 2012 than was appropriated in 2011,hold the line on the property tax levy within the property tax cap law,and minimize any reduction of services.” Despite all the excuses,the preliminary budget should be released before an election so all candidates and a voting public can have some guidance. Other counties do that and so can we. October 6th,2011 By Bill Liblick Political party assignment on a ballot means a lot in an election. Results of last year’s gubernatorial election dictates placement for the next four years. Although Democrats will remain on the top line with Republicans second,there are some major shifts amongst other political parties. The Conservative Party has once again regained the third spot on the ballot,while the Independence Party has been bounced from that position to fifth. On the fourth spot on the ballot is the ever growing Working Families Party. The Independence Party has been successful in the past duping people into believing they are an “independent” political party when in fact they are not. A new political line formed in some areas of Sullivan County branded The Rural Heritage Party is in reality a true “independent” party because they give candidates who garner enough signatures the ability to run on their line. While the local leadership of the Conservative Party does not care whom the Independence Party endorses,they have made it very clear they will not support candidates who accept the Working Families. While the local leadership of the Conservative Party,whom I have nothing but respect for,does not approve of the Working Families mission,people like Governor Andrew Cuomo and many other popular elected officials have embraced their endorsement with open arms. The Working Families Party is making a major presence in Sullivan County local elections this year and eager to defend their political objectives. They have endorsed both Republicans and Democrats. I asked Sullivan County’s Working Families leader Sandra Oxford to explain to me what makes them different from other political parties and she responded,“We’re different than Democrats and Republicans in that we are issue oriented. We believe that the real divide in this country is not left and right but top and bottom. We are bipartisan and will support Republicans or Democrats who share our values.” Oxford added,“While many people in Washington and Albany today seem interested in weakening the social safety net and squeezing the middle class,our focus has always been about Main Street and supporting small businesses and middle class families rather than corporations and the wealthy. Our message of social and economic justice obviously appeals to a broad range of voters throughout the State as we recently moved up the ballot from Row E to Row D.” Noting Sullivan County’s economic plight,Oxford added,“Sullivan County is one of the poorest counties in New York State and for too long the taxpayers have shouldered the burden of corporate handouts and government corruption. The Working Families Party fights for good schools,good jobs and good government. We stand up for working and middle class families throughout New York State.” Oxford said prior to receiving an endorsement candidates go through a vigorous interview and screening process. “We believe our endorsed candidates are the ones who will fight for real reform and get Sullivan County government serving working and middle class families once again.”Nicely put,but isn’t that what all political parties claim? September 29th,2011 By Bill Liblick In just a few short weeks we will be electing a new legislature that will be making decisions affecting our lives for the next four years. The Senior Legislative Action Committee (SLAC) got the campaign season going when they hosted a forum last Friday. Priscilla Bassett,who heads SLAC,told me the group’s objective is to aid seniors in taking action to protect their needs and services. “We oppose cuts in services and advocate increased revenue sources.” It was exciting to finally get the opportunity to see and listen to those who want to run our county government. Many spoke about prolific change while others spoke from the heart. I was pretty impressed. The group played up to the audience and rightfully concentrated on keeping the Adult Care Center a viable entity. Kathy Labuda,the most outspoken legislator and advocate for our seniors said “it’s not always about money,but about love too.” She spoke on the need to find specialized profitable niches to make the adult facility solvent. Some incumbents diverted from discussing issues,while first time runners appeared to be extremely knowledgeable. Jonathan Rouis’ honesty,knowledge,and passion to lead our county were prominent throughout the forum. Ira Steingart,Amanda Ward,and Jodi Goodman moved the crowd with their personal stories of care-giving. Greg Semenetz said government has to make certain “seniors are taken care of.” He joined other candidates in calling for the need to update our adult facility. Cindy Kurpil-Gieger was probably the most prepared,outspoken,and on the ball when she addressed various issues including state mandates,tax exempt properties,and protecting programs such as home health care. Cora Edwards focused on legislation to end state mandates. As for the county’s responsibility she asked,“Do we believe in the role of good public health care?” Scott Samuelson touched on tough decisions the new legislature will be confronting. During the question and answer session,I brought up the budget and that releasing it after the election was wrong. Alan Sorenson said his effort to make it public prior to November 8th was falling on deaf ears. Rick Lander agreed the budget should be disclosed and become an issue. He also called for a five year plan. Edwards said she could not understand why the budget was not continually updated on the Internet and questioned what prevented full disclosure. “The budget is just a picture,and it keeps changing.” Leni Binder pointed to the global economy and unfunded mandates as being the catalyst for our economic woes. She boasted and claimed when she chaired the legislature,and Dan Briggs was County Manager,we had a $23 million surplus. Because of tax caps,Binder said it was inevitable there would be layoffs to balance the budget. Elwin Wood said projects such as the Apollo Mall will stimulate our economy and create jobs. On ethics reform,all backed full disclosure. Goodman said the county should use the same strict disclosure measures as her employer CRMC. After the meeting,Semenetz and Lander pointed out their successful records in balancing budgets. Lander said he would stop the waste in government. The campaign finally begins. September 22nd,2011 By Bill Liblick Upon taking office Governor Andrew Cuomo made certain historic ethics reforms were swiftly passed into law. State lawmakers are now required to disclose things they ordinarily would not want the public to know. In Sullivan County the road to ethics reform has been bumpy. Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis last week appointed several esteemed people to his new ethics commission to review and recommend changes to our ethics laws. This was the direct result of an unbelievable spin from legislators Jodi Goodman and Leni Binder who pretended to be oblivious when they were accused by irate taxpayers with accepting free tickets to Bethel Woods from their friend and businessman Stuart Salenger who had votes before the legislature. Despite the fact they have been in office for well over a decade,and the law clearly states they cannot accept gifts worth more than $75 and they must disclose them,Goodman and Binder claimed they needed ethics rules further defined,so Rouis obliged. In reality,friends sit with friends at Bethel Woods,but then again,former Governor David Paterson was fined $62,000 for accepting tickets to a Yankees game. Sullivan County activist Dave Colavito has now embarked on a grassroots effort for full disclosure. He wants all legislators to disclose whom they do business with before this year’s elections. Obviously there is a fine line one crosses when mixing business,pleasure,and governmental relationships. We are a small county and many people have friendships and business connections that intertwine. This does not mean legislators are intentionally doing anything unethical or wrong. Nonetheless,Colavito maintains “money affects behavior,and we should be permitted to determine,for ourselves,whether inappropriate conflicts of interests are influencing county decisions.” Colavito claims the County’s Code of Ethics already provides for much of the structure needed to implement and enforce the “Client Disclosure”resolution. “So the notion that they can’t vote on it until “after” the election strains credibility. We deserve to know where the county legislature stands on this issue,and we deserve to know before the election.” Legislator David Sager who was elected on a platform of reform pushed a resolution through the legislature in 2008 to completely update and provide teeth to our ethics laws. Sager told me,“Sadly,we are in the waning part of 2011 and I have yet to see this policy enactment come to fruition. At times it has seemed like my efforts in government were an exercise in futility.” Sager,who is not seeking reelection because of family reasons,said Colavito made some “salient” points at last Thursday’s Executive Committee meeting. “The first was that money affects behavior. The second and equally important was that we have a choice as elected officials either to truly serve the people or not.” “What Mr. Colavito resonates is that open government requires complete transparency and if our elected and appointed officials do not want to provide such transparency to those they serve,then perhaps they should exit the public arena and we can get people in office who truly want to do the public will.” Sager concluded,“I can say unequivocally that there is still far too much inside-dealing and influence pedaling by select individuals and groups,so much so that someone like me has questioned whether meaningful change is even possible. That does not mean that we stop trying.” And,try we must. |
