Bethel

To the editor:

In the toxic environment that is in present day politics, I was stunned to read in the Sullivan County Democrat that the leadership of the Sullivan County Republicans have taken steps to change the dysfunction within their party. Their public rebuke of Rob Doherty, one of their own, is unheard of. Standing up for decency in the world of politics takes a lot of guts. The appointment of Greg Goldstein as the new chair signals a major shift towards cooperative governance. Whether or not Mr. Doherty is receptive to this novel concept of working together is another story.

Though he says restoring cooperation is a great idea, it is difficult to believe.  Even the title of his article in the Democrat that preceded the committees meeting, (he must have known what was coming and didn’t attend) “You Gotta Break Some Eggs to Make a Good Omelet” just reinforces his threatening and ‘my way or the highway attitude.’ Bullying, intimidation, and lack of civility are his M.O.

It should be noted in his article his claim that for the first time in recorded history Sullivan County has fiscal stability is inaccurate (i.e. there have been zero tax increases and improved bond ratings before.) There also are no eggs broken for the ills that have plagued Sullivan County and not improved under his reign. (i.e. being the 60th out of 62 unhealthiest counties in the state) for another letter.

I’m hoping for the County’s sake, that Doherty’s time for honoring himself will come to an end this November. It sure doesn’t seem the Republican Party will be disappointed should this happen.