MONTICELLO – On January 5, Legislature Clerk Annmarie Martin presided over the Sullivan County Legislature’s reorganizational meeting, which resulted in the appointment of District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz as Chair and District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez as Vice Chair. District 1 Legislator Matt McPhillips nominated Rajsz for Chair, and her nomination was carried by a unanimous roll call vote. District 3 Legislator Brian McPhillips nominated Alvarez for Vice Chair, and his nomination was carried by an 8-1 roll call vote, with only District 4 Legislator Nicholas Salomone opposed. 

Alvarez began the meeting by reading a few symbolic words about America’s upcoming birthday: “What is the American 250? American 250 is a nationwide initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through events, programs, and partnerships across the country, America aims to inspire all Americans to reflect on our shared history and envision the future we want to build together.” 

Veterans Service Agency Director Stephen Walsh presented an American flag that read “250” to commemorate the upcoming anniversary. Alvarez and District 5 Legislator Cat Scott installed the commemorative flag next to the existing flag in the Legislative chamber.

After being sworn in by County Attorney Robert H. Freehill with her daughter, Sullivan County Democratic Elections Commissioner Deanna Senyk holding the bible, Rajsz said, “I look forward to working with everybody yet again for the next two years, thank you very much.”

Rajsz said that the Legislature made significant achievements over the past year, but emphasized that there is still much to do. 

“For me housing is number one - we have a housing crisis.” 

Rajsz said developing affordable housing for Sullivan County families was her top priority for 2026, along with supporting gateway housing to transition homeless individuals out of hotels, “which is costing us an arm and leg.” Rajsz also identified the need to work with state officials to mitigate the county’s forecasted financial losses from the development of downstate casinos in New York City. 

Rajsz’s additional goals for the Legislature 2026 include appointing a Charter Review Commission, putting the creation of a County Executive on this year’s ballot (which Rajsz said will make it easier for the County’s voice to be heard at the state level), and to champion fiscal responsibility to ameliorate unpopular tax increases. “We need to keep our eye on the taxes and be careful with how we spend our money,” concluded Rajsz.