The winds of change blew heavy through Sullivan County on Tuesday night as nearly 15,000 voters across 15 townships elected a new legislature to lead our county government for the next four years.

Our current legislature – while they accomplished some lofty goals [like building a new jail to replace the oldest jail in New York State] – failed to meet the electorate’s expectations of civility, fairness and addressing the needs of our most needy residents.

While the points may be debated, the outcome of Tuesday’s election speaks strongly to our incoming legislature.

The voters of Sullivan County want a county government that is strong, educated on the issues, and, maybe above all else, able to work together as a team to bring about the best solutions for our county government.

We also want openness of government and strong debate on the floor of the legislative chamber.

Four of the five legislators who have essentially run county government by themselves the past four years will not be on the board.

Only Nick Salamone of District 4 appears to be returning to the legislator.

District 1 Legislator, Chairman Rob Doherty, along with District 3 Legislator Michael Brooks and District 5 Legislator George Conklin were defeated at the polls and District 9 Legislator Alan Sorenson decided not to run.

To its credit, the Sullivan County Republican Committee chastised the behavior of its own elected representatives, who many times excluded the other four legislators from important discussions and decision-making opportunities.

Now, with five [and possibly six] Democrats in control, the 2024-2027 legislature will have to show a new face for Sullivan County leadership.

Also, five of the nine legislators will be new to the positions starting on January 1, 2024, a challenge that will obviously come with a learning curve as they navigate the management of a $200,000,000 business known as county government.

We are optimistic, though, that this new board will strike the balance of addressing our county’s need for more opportunity for the less fortunate while always – and we mean always – keeping the Sullivan County taxpayers at the forefront of their decisions.

It’s no easy task, but we urge our newly-elected board to listen to the experienced representatives and county government officials to help guide you.

Congratulations, one and all, on your victory and may your term in office be marked by much accomplishment, conviction to your campaign promises and, above all else, an honest and open government for all Sullivan County residents.