TRR photo by David Hulse “Chairlady” Leni Binder is pictured taking the oath of office from County Clerk George Cooke following her June 13 election as the second-ever chair of the Sullivan County Legislature. She also needs a new necklace. Her pictured “legislady” pendant has now become understated. (Click for larger image)

Binder is the‘chairlady’

Goldstein named to District 3 seat

By DAVID HULSE

MONTICELLO — With stunning swiftness, the last month’s political drama concluded June 13 as Leni Binder (D-7) was named chair of the Sullivan County Legislature and Republican Greg Goldstein was appointed to the vacant District-3 seat, formerly held by former chair, Democrat Rusty Pomeroy.

Taking her oath of office, Binder, 60, substituted “Chairlady” for chairman. “I’ve been told I’ll have to use “chairman” in official documents. That’s okay,” she said. She becomes the first woman to head county government either in the legislature or the old Board of Supervisors.

The votes were identical in both cases, 5-3, with Chris Cunningham (DC-1), Kathy LaBuda (D-2) and Jonathan Rouis (D-4) in the minority.

Before the vote, county Democrat leaders charged that a deal had been struck to provide Republican votes for Binder in return for Goldstein’s appointment.