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The Ulster County Legislators are the elected eyes and ears of the taxpayers. When information is withheld from Legislators, it is the same as withholding it from the taxpayers. According to Dave Donaldson, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature, he – Dave – was never told by Sheriff Van Blarcum or Ulster County Executive Mike Hein of any of the allegations at the Ulster County Jail. Therefore, none of the Ulster County Legislators were informed of this either – neither Democratic nor Republican. As a taxpayer and party leader, I am outraged at this political maneuvering to keep this from the Legislators. I believe that the Times Herald Record got it 100% right in their May 21, 2009 Op Ed piece when they said that “Officials in Ulster Fail Again to Get It” and that the Democratic Committee Chairman [Frank Dart] should “make sure that ALL are informed in the future”. The question is if VanBlarcum didn’t tell any of the County Legislators, who did he tell? He had to tell someone because a lawyer was hired to represent the County. I’m confused. Let’s hope that the Legislators stop carrying The Executive’s water, and work to create a true separation of Government branches.

I have taken the time to call Chairman Donaldson, the Majority and Minority Leaders, and several Legislators. Everyone that I have talked to agrees that taxpayers must be represented equally - not based on party lines. Legislative Committee Chairs and Committee members are appointed by the Chairman of the Legislature , David Donaldson. Both the Majority and Minority Leaders are included in this process but as a recommendation only.

I am glad that transparency in Government is an area that both Chairman Donaldson and I agree on. Moving forward, I believe that the Legislators should be informed if there are any other lawsuits out there, without having to ask – that’s what transparency is. Additionally, if there are other cases out there, what is the exposure to the Ulster County taxpayers? How much money is budgeted for this and where is the money coming from to pay for these lawsuits?

In keeping with that theme of transparency, the way in which these matters are accounted for should be looked at as well. It is my understanding that they are currently under a line called “consulting fees”. In my businesses, legal fees are classified on my financial reports as legal fees and consulting fees are fees paid to consultants, not to attorneys for legal work. The Times Herald Record recommendation that there be a meeting that is open to the public “(so that the County can see that all of us are committed to open and clear communication)”, would be an excellent way to handle review of the expenses and how they are classified.

Also looming out there on the horizon are other two very important. One issue is access by the Legislators to the Department Heads (aka the Gag order by the Executive). Regarding the gag order, I must again defer to the Times Herald Record Op Ed May 21 piece (Officials in Ulster Fail Again to Get It). The other issue is the budget. In my discussion with Chairman Donaldson, he has told me that the Legislature is considering hiring an outside company to be the eyes and ears for the taxpayers/Legislators. The same company does work for the Legislatures in Orange and Dutchess Counties as well. Having an outside company is a great idea as long full access and disclouser to all information is available and the Executive is hands off. NO oversight by Lomita, please he has enough to say as Ways and Means Chair. In business you never use a fox to watch a hen house. Perhaps Dave can try someone else perhaps a Rich Parete or Wayne Harris, or both maybe a little check and balance. Let them do their jobs. The fact is that this company can be a great asset to the Comptroller as well to fix any issues that arise. Additionally, perhaps Chairman Donaldson will carry a resolution that would create a plain English budget without items hidden throughout it and a No Gag Resolution. Thanks , Len