Binder to be named county chair

By DAVID HULSE

MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Legislature was expected to meet this morning, June 13, in special session to name Leni Binder (D-7) as its new chairwoman.

Binder, who was challenging Chris Cunningham (DC-1), announced on June 6 that she had reached a coalition agreement with the legislature’s three Republicans that, combined with the vote of Bob Kunis (D-8), would give her the required five votes needed for election.

The coalition agreement was immediately attacked by Democratic party spokesmen including Assemblyman Jacob Gunther and county party chairman Robert Krutman. Gunther reportedly vowed to see her defeated in the next election and Krutman was said to have suggested that if her deal involved the appointment of a Republican to the vacant District 3 seat, Binder should switch parties.

Binder denied that any deal was made with the Republicans that might install Republican chairman Greg Goldstein in the vacant seat. “There was absolutely no deal in the discussion. They wanted the government to get moving,” she said.

Binder, who has prided herself in staying out of political infighting in the past, said she was surprised at the reaction. “I guess I’m not in Kansas anymore,” she said Monday.

“I’d heard all these things had been said about me to the Times Herald-Record and I couldn’t imagine why,” she said.

She said all the candidates had been working to win the Republican votes. “Everybody was looking at coalitions. That’s why I was shocked.”

Binder suggested that the Democratic fury might have repercussions for them. “The ensuing issues have freed me from any other obligations,” she said.

She said Krutman “confirmed” his comments in the media to her. She had not spoken to Gunther.

Beyond that, “At this point I have no intention of saying anything. The issue is getting a chair elected,” she said.

Despite all the furor, she still expects to be named. “I’m very superstitious at this point in time, but I anticipate having the votes."