Enough: No More Cutting the Public Sector in Sullivan County

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"Stimulating meaningful thought & debate in Sullivan County without retribution"  

No More Cutting the Public Sector in Sullivan County

The Resentment of Success, a Growing Problem in Government

by Ruby Pixman

Sullivan County has not been immune from the relentless assaults on its public workforce.

With the election of Ronald Reagan, who declared that government is not the solution, but rather the problem, resentment against those in government service would soon became a national obsession.

Using this Reagan mantra, there's been a relentless set of attacks against effective services that helped the U.S. to maintain its status as a strong and compassionate nation.

Within Reagan's two terms, he and his legislative allies began the first full-scale assault on such formerly untouchable federal programs, such as unemployment benefits, social security disability, food stamps, and even the government's ability to tax corporations and wealthier citizens. 

Reagan became the first president to destroy a labor union, specifically the one representing air traffic controllers who initially supported his election. Their brief strike wasn't even about pay raises, but rather about improving working conditions in order to make air travel safer.

When Reagan departed office, he left his stamp on succeeding administrations, be they Republican or Democratic. 

The G.O.P. used Reagan's popularity to further their openly pro-Big Business, anti-worker agenda, and Democrats lowered their expectations for better wages and benefits in both the public and private sectors. 

As workers rights diminished in the private sector, government employees voted for union representation and struggled to gain many benefits, making public-sector jobs more desirable.

In the meantime, emboldened corporations shipped their manufacturing operations overseas in order to avoid paying U.S.-mandated wages and benefits, resulting in closed U.S. company plants and shrunken union membership. 

Yet in the public sector unions were able to hold their own, if not outright flourish. 

Over the years private-sector worker incomes began to stagnate.  The cost of living rose, but incomes declined.  Many began to believe that workers in the public sector were living high-on-the-hog on the taxes paid by private-sector workers. 

It wasn't long before the idea took hold of doing away with government-sponsored programs and jobs, if only to get back at those piggish public workers. 

Instead of blaming the real culprits, the greedy corporations and their doting, mostly Republican politicos, many cheered on as their programs were either drastically shrunk or eliminated.  "After all," many thought, "if I can't have a decent job with good benefits and pay, why should those damn government workers is so lucky?"

Sullivan County has not been immune from the relentless assaults on its public workforce. 

The previous County Legislature demanded and got union concessions leading to downsizing through attrition, no raises, pay cuts, and layoffs.

The present County Legislature has continued cutting. They have been struggling with trying to deliver on expensive state-mandated programs, while cutting costs and avoiding tax increases. 

Yet the prospect looms that as Big Business continues to consolidate its grip on every aspect of American society, our county legislators will, if they haven't already, eye the next bunch of government workers for the chopping block. 

And the results will be the same: more unemployment, lower quality of government services leading to a much lower standard of living for the vast majority.

The solution lies in recognizing that public workers are like the rest of us. 

They have families to feed, rents to pay, and aspirations for their offspring. 

Their presence makes our lives better.  They and the government are not the problem.  Instead of resenting public workers, we should support them and turn our attention to the real problem causers:  greedy corporations and the politicians they control. 

Once we recognize who are the real sources of our woes, it will become easier to go after them and win!

 

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It's Time For Non-Partisan Elections In Sullivan County

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It's time to institute non partisan elections in Sullivan County

Let's eliminate out of touch political party influence in local elections

by Ben Math

Yes, Sullivan County could start a trend across America denouncing and outlawing all political parties, elevating individuals to be accountable to their voters instead of their party.

I am relatively new to Sullivan County, so I must admit the "Good Old Boys" I often read about ruling Sullivan County are most mysterious to me.

I just don't know if I have ever met one or not.

Nationally, in recent years the Democratic Party has been moving farther to the left and the Republican Party has been moving farther to the right. 

Ironically both parties are now in positionswhere significantly increasing numbers of Americans don't like either party. Both parties are out of touch at all levels with the electorate.

And when was the last time we could actually believe anything a politician told us anyway?

As our distaste for the lies, scandals, and general distortions of the truth grow stronger, our confidence in our elected officials grows weaker. Regardless of what they tell us, they must do what they are told to do by their party bosses.

The last elections in Sullivan County were not a validation of any local political party. It was a rejection of the hand-picked individuals from both parties and simply the result of a recession ridden voter base voting to shift the county from the left to a more financially conservative center. 

Are individual candidates becoming irrelevant because whether they are Democrats or Republicans because in part they represent a party no longer representing the middle class? Perhaps.

Is it time for a third party? Absolutely Not!

Perhaps it is time to return to no political parties! 

Yes, perhaps all political parties should be banned in Sullivan County.

Such an effort would have to start at the grass roots level as it would get no support from the political powerhouses currently dictating the positions of our elected officials at all levels of governance. There's some villages in Sullivan County, like Woodridge, that already have elections where no political parties appear on the ballots.

Our forefathers warned us of the dangers of political parties. Voters could then vote for individuals again and those individuals would not owe their soul to the party that handpicked them. The agenda they would take into public office would be their own, an agenda supported by us, the voters, not a political party.

Yes, Sullivan County could start a trend across America denouncing and outlawing all political parties, elevating individuals to be accountable to their voters instead of their party.

Elected officials would no longer have to appoint staff from their own political party. They could hire the best instead.  Imagine how quickly the grid lock in Washington, and even the County Government Center and our local town and village halls would stop if there were no political parties.

It may be time to resurrect the individual, individual values, and individual accountability to the voter. 

 

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Will There Be Farmers Driving Tractors Into the Future In Sullivan County?

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"Stimulating meaningful thought & debate in Sullivan County without retribution"  

The Transitioning Of Sullivan County Agriculture & The Tractor Parade

Will it soon be another historical event in the modern Catskills?

by Ruby Pixman

This year, instead of my seeing lots to laugh about, I saw both the pain and pride of these sturdy types as they proudly drove their noisy, smelly, and smoky tractors through the tiny main street of Callicoon.

As with many other past years, we again attended this year's Callicoon Tractor Parade down the main street of the attractive hamlet. 

While to some, this event seems largely unchanged from year-to-year.  But the reality is that it’s grown very popular and has attracted additional tractor entrants. 

But another, more subtle transformation of the Callicoon Tractor Parade has taken place over the years.

Our first encounter with the Tractor Parade was probably in 2005.  The Parade had a humorous, tongue-in-cheek way about it. 

I remember the announcer would make funny quips as he identified each entrant.  He might poke fun of the aged pieces of equipment being driven, while getting in a few chuckles at the expense of the equally aged individuals doing the driving.  The emcee donned a tall, Mad Hatter-like green chapeau -making him appear more a clown than an announcer.

Even the tractor drivers poked fun at the proceedings, sometimes displaying crudely written signs attending to his, and his farm vehicle's broken-down condition. 

No one--not the drivers nor the spectators seemed to mind.  The whole parade was all in good natured jest.

But over the years the emphasis of subsequent parades changed. 

The Tractor Parade has since become more dignified and more telling of the plight of Sullivan County farmers.

Yes, there were floats pulled by tractors bearing cute kiddies and a Miss Sullivan County or Little Miss Cow-Lover along the way. 

But these days, a closer look reveals the craggy and sinewy faces of not just tractor drivers, but the farmers too.

Farming in Sullivan County was always a hard life-our local farmers have always devoted their lives to squeezing crops from rocky soil, or gathering eggs, or milking cows.  And it didn't matter if the day was hot, cold, wet, or dusty.  The farmer’s work always had to be done, in sickness and in health.

All this was accomplished in order to bring their products to market, and probably get compensated for less than half of what they were worth, so that the local grocery chain could also make a buck-and so that homeowners could enjoy fresh meat and veggies for dinner.

This year, instead of my seeing lots to laugh about, I saw both the pain and pride of these sturdy types as they proudly drove their noisy, smelly, and smoky tractors through the tiny main street of Callicoon.

And who could know for sure if their children were along for the long haul for the following years to adulthood, or if today they were just along for the ride.

No, I didn't feel somber-the day was much too beautiful for that. 

But with today's new emphasis on the mega farming business and technology, the higher costs and taxes in running a family farm, and the allure for the farmer’s children for being in an office instead of the great outdoors, will the future allow for our local Sullivan County farmers to exist?

And will the Tractor Parade, should it remain, eventually become just a curious artifact of bygone days?

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Let Governor Cuomo Know You Want Multiple Casinos in SC

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"Stimulating meaningful thought & debate in Sullivan County without retribution"  

Casino Gaming in Sullivan County: It's time for all of us to speak out for multiple venues

Be that person that makes a difference.   

by Mo Herman

If you care about Sullivan County, and truly want to make a difference for all of us, write, email, and Facebook Governor Cuomo.

When I was a kid, my father told me the most important thing as a human being is to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with the person staring back at you.

He told me to ask these questions: Is the person staring back at you someone you're proud of? What has he/she done to help others and the community?

Has the person staring back at you contributed to society that's of value?  Or is the person staring back at you part of the problem?

In Sullivan County, this is a question each citizen should be asking themselves every day.

With one of the highest unemployment rates in New York State, it's only fair to question how many of us actually hold ourselves accountable for the problems the county has.

The reality is, unless you're fighting for change and a better way of life for each Sullivan County resident, then you are part of the problem that has made Sullivan County such a hard place to live, work and raise a family.

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently proposed a bill that would allow table gambling to finally become a reality in the Catskills, something this area has been waiting "patiently" for over 40 years to happen.

While several have been close in their attempts to secure gaming locally in the past, this is the closest our area has ever been to a real casino.

This is the problem: Cuomo's proposal calls for only one casino in the Catskills, and it's not certain that our county, which is desperate for job creation and that already has 3 formidable offers to build here, will lose that site to the former Nevele Hotel in Ulster County.

While bringing in casinos isn't the answer to all of Sullivan County's economic woes, it is a MAJOR start in correcting them.

Multiple casinos will create jobs and bring revenue into the county, and will also allow those visiting to gamble to learn about all the many things we have to offer here. This area has massive amounts of potential and a few casinos might be the start we need to thrive.

Cuomo's attempt to legalize gambling in New York is not really genuine.  If  he really cared about job creation in upstate New York, he would have proposed more than one casion for our area.

One politican who truly has our interests in mind and who does see the necessity of job creation in our region is Senator John Bonnacic (R-Mount Hope).  He is offering an alternative proposal allowing multiple casinos in Sullivan County.

Gov. Cuomo has yet to respond by reviewing this bill, which means it's not too late to persuade him.

Now, here's where all that accountability stuff I was talking about earlier comes into play.

If you care about Sullivan County, and truly want to make a difference for all of us, write, email, and Facebook Governor Cuomo.  Contact Page

Here's what to write: "Governor Cuomo, as a citizen of Sullivan County, which is one of the poorest regions not only in the state, but the US, we have seen our area as well as upstate New York become an area where our children won't or can't return because of lack of economic opportunity.  We need more than one casino to jumpstart our economy and improve the economy here in Sullivan County if casino gaming is approved by the voters.  Please change your proposal to help Sullivan County become a great place to live, work, and bring up a family again."

Be that person that makes a difference.  The only way to be heard is to speak up NOW!

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Is the SC Conservative Party really player in local politics anymore?

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"Stimulating meaningful thought & debate in Sullivan County without retribution"  

Is the SC Conservative Party really a player in local politics?

The truth is that they just an outdated, political paper tiger  

by Abbie Hofferman

Candidates may give lip service to the party, but in actuality, it is a minor, insignificant player in local politics.

 A new election season is approaching in Sullivan County where a number of local officials stand for reelection and many of them will seek to have their names on a number of lines on the ballots.

On the face, the Good Old Boys would want you to think that The NYS Conservative Party is a major player in politics when it comes to giving candidates their line.

For example, recently, the Sullivan County Democrat ran an article “Conservatives' backing coveted” where the reader was left with the impression that all county officials and candidates just can’t win without the Sullivan County Conservative Party’s endorsement.

“From town highway superintendents to supervisors to seeker of county-or even state-offices, everyone wants to be friends with the Sullivan County Conservative Party during election year.”

Poppycock.  The truth is that the Conservative Party’s influence has been declining both statewide and in Sullivan County over the last decade, with less and less voters both registering and voting as conservatives.

In terms of true conservatism, and we are talking Burke, Buckley, Goldwater and Reagan, they don’t even have a clue about how to push a conservative-libertarian agenda that seeks a return to small government, unobtrusive government, and protection of constitutional rights.  And in terms of local issues, have you heard boo recently from the local Conservative party about the terrible SAFE act? About how bad county government functions? About how Sullivan County has become a welfare state?

The Sullivan County Conservative Party is a dying party that cares more to hold a big fundraiser once a year rather than nurture and support truly conservative causes and candidates for office.  Statewide, the party is an obstructionist,  homophobic, anti-abortionist clan that hurts any Republican effort to push back against the overwhelming Democratic dominance in Albany, opposes casino gaming and that fails miserably to effectively push a truly economic conservative agenda in the most liberal state in the nation.

In terms of county government, where once the county chairman of the Conservative Party was a vocal advocate of true small government and wasteful spending, and spent his time attending meetings and berating officials who did not act truly conservative, the Conservative Party now a days is a paper tiger. 

You don’t hear “boo” from County Conservative Party Chairman Steve Burke about how badly dysfunctional our county and town governments are, how high taxes are, how unfriendly the business climate is in Sullivan County, and how actually “liberal” many of the candidates, act that the party endorses in local and state elections. Steve Burke is no Edmund Burke, that’s for sure.

New York State is kind of unique because they don’t have to run just as a Republican or Democrat or just be limited to run on a minor party line alone.

That’s really good for candidates.  It allows people who are diehard Republicans or Democrats to comfortably come off those lines and vote for the candidate of the other major party.

These days, the Conservative Party of Sullivan County is just another line, like the Independence Party, the Green Party, or even the Communist Party.  Votes from their line only matter in very close elections.

So if local candidates attend the yearly fundraiser, like a lot did recently, they may get that line.

Candidates may give lip service to the party, but in actuality, it is a minor, insignificant player in local politics.  

Unlike in the 20th century, most, if not all could get reelected without their support. 

And unlike in the past where leaders were tough advocates of conservative causes and kept on politicians to stick to conservative issues, nowadays, they play the game and keep their mouths shut.

They are much like their arch enemies at the Liberal Party, which, without the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon as issues, has basically kicked the bucket too.

So when you read the headlines proclaiming how significant the Conservative Party is here locally, don’t believe what you are reading, particularly when the paper is named after a liberal political party in the first place.

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The Freedom Associated With Being Insignificant In Sullivan County

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Noteworthy Freedom in Country Living: The Advantage of Sullivan County Being Insignificant

We have more freedom because Sullivan County is off the national security radar

by Ruby Pixman

Soon, if the “national security” authorities get their way, in many communities, we may look to the skies and see drones hovering overhead, while trained government snoopers read our every email and review our conduct on our computers and PDAs.

Since that disastrous day “9-11” we've seen a steady stream of legislation and government actions that have been implemented in the name of national security.  They, in turn, have outright laid to waste many of our constitutional rights.

At airports, we have to allow bodily searches.  We have to tolerate surveillance placed at practically every street corner in both the cities and the suburbs.  We condone without question indefinite detention of individuals without their even having been charged with any crime, and without the right to a civilian trial.

Soon, if the “national security” authorities get their way,  in many communities, we may look to the skies and see drones hovering overhead, while trained government snoopers read our every email and review our conduct on our computers and PDAs.

If some of our “patriotic” politicians also get their way, a Great Wall may spread from the eastern to the western side of our border with Mexico in order to keep the illegal immigrant hordes from invading our nation and stealing our jobs.

Thanks to the recent massacre at Sandy Hook, Connecticut, we'll soon have heavily armed cops in our schools.  Children will be handcuffed and led away from their classrooms for shooting others with rubber bands.

How does all this apply to Sullivan County?  Fortunately very little.

Why is that so?  It's not because Sullivan County is far more liberal in its outlook than much of the nation. 

It's because we're insignificant! 

Now, before the reader gets upset with my characterization, let me explain.

Sullivan County is about the size of the State of Rhode Island, yet it has a year-round population of only about 67,000. We are a tiny population spread thin over a lot of acreage.

In other words, to a mostly urbanized nation, we are insignificant.

Thus from a fiscal outlook, we're not worth large expenditures in governmental services and resources that includes the costly security policies that have swept, and largely oppressed, much of the nation.

So by comparison, we in Sullivan County are relatively free.

Crime is relatively light when compared to many other regions.  Despite what some local law enforcement officials claim, there's little here worth stealing or bombing for that matter.

One can roam for miles as I have done in my car without the fear of being stopped for no apparent reason, if only to maintain security.  Foolish or not, I leave my home usually secured lightly because I don't fear much about being robbed.  Maybe it's because I have little to steal, and most professional thieves figure that break-ins at my home are not worth the effort.

Yes, thanks to our lack of population and fiscal insignificance, the State and evil-intentioned individuals leave me alone-resulting in almost total freedom.

We poor rural folk may not count for much when it comes to receiving our share of goods and services.

But one thing should remain clear:  While we may be inconsequential in national security concerns, when it comes to individual liberties here in Sullivan County, we in the post 9-11 world are the most significant of all!

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