Liberty

On behalf of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee

To the editor:

As Congress and the White House begin the debate on what arguably may be the most ambitious infrastructure agenda since the creation of the interstate highway system, the devastating building collapse in Florida reminds us that infrastructure is also a matter of life and death.

Paving roads, repairing bridges and keeping water systems safe are the projects that are most visible and costly. The mostly quiet and seemingly mundane process of approving and monitoring construction projects, monitoring licensing requirements, and enforcing public health and safety laws are just as vital to our communities.

We, as citizens, should take note of how our elected State, County and Town officials approach and make decisions on critical infrastructure and safety programs.

As we wait to see what kind of funding for infrastructure projects comes from Washington or Albany, it’s important to know how our local officials prioritize these critical needs. How are our elected officials planning to spend the funds allocated through the American Rescue Plan? Are those decisions the best use of a one-time injection of aid?

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “with freedom comes responsibility.” Public involvement is important.  

By attending Public Hearings and regular meetings, informed questions and comments from the public may very well influence the decision-making process and contribute to a better result for the community.