Town of Neversink Supervisor

To the editor:

As I have travelled around the Town of Neversink talking with folks, many have asked who I am supporting for District 3 Legislator. I am writing this to ask for your support for my friend and colleague Mike Brooks. This is meant for the unbiased, regular voter to consider.  If you are already filled with apprehension or misplaced information, please allow me to share my thoughts about Mike. This has been one of the most frustrating local election seasons I have ever witnessed. Social media seems to have taken hold on common decency with vile personal attacks daily.  Fear of certain groups of people has been stoked. Egos, personal agendas, and a desire to be on the front page is on full display.

Despite these things Mike Brooks has always displayed a calm and professional demeanor.  He is known to work with anybody, regardless of political affiliation. This has unfortunately upset both sides of the political spectrum. Ideally in politics, a person who thinks critically, and acts in the best interest of their constituents is truly the person we want to be representing us all. Mike can always be counted on to be that person, to keep his cool when pressure is being applied to him from his opponents or even his own political side.   Always a gentleman, even when bad behavior, again from both sides, is heralded as the norm.  During the Covid Crisis he stood alongside officials presenting a calm, yet logical front. He refused to incite fear and acted with great rationale and responsibility to protect our County.  This is the kind of leadership we should expect from our elected officials.

I first met Mike years ago when as a citizen, he was speaking out against a 74% increase in taxes targeted at the Town of Neversink called the Large Parcel Act. As some of you might recall, past partisan Legislators hurried this irresponsible vote through causing frustration, distress, and pitting town against town.  Proving that the County Legislature has been a dysfunctional body for decades. Another example is the consistent refusal to negotiate with the Towns over the County collected sales tax. This is an ongoing issue that should be resolved to the benefit of all Townships. My point is that Mike has been fighting for us for a long time. He always presents a thoughtful and reasonable approach, something I believe is lacking on both sides. Working in a group of nine strong personalities, each with differing ideas and agendas has always been a challenge. His place on the Legislature has been one who behind the scenes, cools the loud hyperbole and tries to help keep things moving forward. That being said, there have been some notable successes for instance; it is the first time that the NYS Comptroller’s Office has designated Sullivan County free of fiscal stress.  This is quite an achievement.

In closing, it is my honor to stand beside my friend Mike Brooks. A man of integrity who has a long history of working with all sides, challenging personalities, and difficult issues. In my heart I truly believe he is “one of the good guys”, and he deserves a chance to continue his work maintaining fiscal responsibility, forwarding the Broadband issue, and fighting for the unique issues of District 3.