Acting Chairman 

Town of Callicoon Republican Committee 

To the editor:

 Last Wednesday evening I, as well as many other Town Republican committee members, attended the Nominating Convention of Sullivan County’s Republican Party. Sorella’s restaurant In Kauneonga Lake was filled to capacity with anxious candidates and Party members. Shortly after County Committee Chairman Gary Maas opened the Convention with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Chairman of the County Legislature, District One Legislator and Town of Bethel committee member Rob Doherty, displayed the type of behavior he has come to be known for. A complete lack of respect for anyone who dares to disagree with him! Mr. Doherty was well within his right to question the proceedings of the Party’s nomination of a candidate for the office of the District Attorney. However, Mr. Doherty’s attempt to “shout down” Chairman Maas’ explanation of the process was anything but respectful or professional.

 When the Town’s committee members were directed to receive and subsequently cast their ballots in alphabetical order starting with Bethel, Mr. Doherty stood next to the ballot box and continued to boisterously object to the proceeding. Possibly intimidating some people waiting in line to vote, Mr. Doherty was instructed to cast his ballot and move away from the ballot box to which he complied.

 In the past I have publicly stated that I believe this Legislature should be credited with some notable accomplishments. I have also stated that I believe Mr. Doherty is a smart business owner that works long hours and tries to do what he believes is in the best interest of Sullivan County and its residents and businesses. However, Mr. Doherty is certainly not a leader and has at times been an embarrassment to his office and this County! In fact Mr. Doherty may be best described as a manipulator rather than a leader. You see, to be a successful leader a person needs to be intelligent and hard working but it takes more than that. That’s where Mr. Doherty falls way short. A true leader expects and demands the best from those around him or her. A true leader expects them to become leaders in their own right and to never be satisfied to just be a follower. As a true leader you must show respect for others, even those who do not agree with you. Mr. Doherty has repeatedly displayed his lack of respect for fellow legislators, County employees as well as members of the public while attending meetings of the County Legislature.

 While some of the legislators have tried to “rein-in” the actions of Mr. Doherty, others have remained silent! The frustration with Mr. Doherty has reached new heights and now he and most of the other incumbent Republican legislators will face difficult re-election challenges by some formidable opponents. Due to the actions of one legislator AND the lack of action of some others, the residents of Sullivan County may be seeing many new faces on the Legislature in 2024.

 To those of you, Republicans and Democrats alike, who think this letter will harm the Republican Party of Sullivan County, I disagree. Not that I didn’t consider that possibility before sending it to publication, but I determined if I stayed silent and said nothing at all, there would be more at stake than any one political party. The future of Sullivan County government may be at stake. In his own words in one of his many letters to the editor over the last three years, Mr. Doherty said, “If nothing ever changes, nothing changes”!

 Good luck to ALL of the candidates this year and remember this; If you always do what’s right for your constituents you may not always win, but you will NEVER be a loser.