Bethel

To the editor:

The former chairman of the Sullivan County Republican Party has endorsed my opponent for the District 1 Legislator position. This is not the first, nor will it be the last endorsement he will receive from either current or former party bosses.

Quite simply, if I were a party boss invested in the perpetuation of the “good ole boys” network, I would endorse a candidate who would carry out the old way of doing business, too. Fortunately for my constituents, I do not work for the party bosses; I work for the voter and taxpayer.

My opponent will say anything or do anything to grab what all the party bosses want…Power. They want to say who gets what job, who gets their land purchased at inflated prices, who gets what contracts, etc., etc. All of these deals are at the cost to the taxpayer. But the position of Legislator should not be a popularity contest, there are actual responsibilities to the role.

I decided to run the first time after the last legislature overspent their revenues through three consecutive fiscal years. I put an end to the “wink and nod” deals, and the bosses are angry about that. They are coming after me because I won’t sit silently as they continue to try to enrich themselves at the taxpayers’ expense. I have ruffled some feathers, but we have seen some great results.

We have:

·      Cut taxes

·      Made the county financially sound

·      Backed Sheriff Schiff with equipment and gave all of his employees a fair contract making it a career not just a job.

·      Made record investments in our county’s infrastructure and will do it again this year

·      Made the first two years of college free for all local students

There is a lot more work to be done for you the tax payer.

Don’t let a change in leadership rewind the county to high taxes, increased high density housing, and crumbling infrastructure. Don’t go backwards, which is where the party bosses…and my opponent…will lead you.