Sullivan County Legislature

District 1

Chris Cunningham (Dem., Con.)

It has been my honor and privilege to serve you in the Sullivan County Legislature for the last eight years. I ask for your support on November 4.

I am a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. My wife Renee and I chose to raise our children, Erin and Daniel, in Sullivan County, a beautiful area to live, work, and raise a family. I have made a commitment to you and our community.

Like you, I believe government must be open and responsive to the concerns of its citizens. I have fought for open and honest government and tried to be a voice of reason and common sense. To protect us all, I have advocated for the creation and maintenance of a strong Consumer Affairs Department.

I led the effort to create a Fire Training Center for our valuable firefighters and emergency personnel. I have supported policies to maintain and expand services for our senior citizens and our youth.

Our future depends on leaders who plan and support responsible economic development that enhances, not diminishes, our quality of life and our environment. With your support, I will continue to cut wasteful spending and avoid unnecessary tax increases. Help me bring accountable and accessible government with leadership that values and promotes citizen input back to Sullivan County.

Sullivan County faces a challenging future and I hope to help lead this county into that future with energy, common sense and vision.

Margaret I. Hazen (Rep.)

You probably know me from Gaetano’s Cafe in Mongaup Valley. Your concerns are my concerns. We need to continue growth and protect our vital farmlands. We must work together to maintain the beauty of our countryside, the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and the safety and even flow of traffic on our 17 B corridor.

I will also fight against further taxes to prevent additional burdening on local taxpayers. With my vast business experience, together we can accomplish this. As your legislator, I will devote my full time to this important job. I will listen to all your concerns and I will represent your issues and the future of our district.

I have 30 years of financial experience as vice president at Dean Witter Reynolds, and I have been the co-owner of Gaetano’s Café for nine years.

I am a member of the Bethel Business Association, United Way of Sullivan County, and I am the treasurer of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

District 2

Kathy LaBuda (Dem., Con., WF)

For the first three years of my tenure on the Sullivan County Legislature, I served as the committee chairman of the Financial Management Committee. During that time, I was responsible for the county budget. Each year, I brought in the budget on time with zero percent property tax growth by challenging county leaders to conduct our business in a smarter way and to not burden taxpayers with increased property taxes.

Now, during the first year I have not chaired the committee, it is discouraging to hear that a property tax increase may be inevitable. If reelected, you can be sure I will take a long, hard look at this situation and fight for the taxpayer.

Also, I voted against the new sales tax increase because I felt, and still feel, that it will drive shoppers out of Sullivan County. As a county, our financial well-being depends on the legislature’s smart financial management; problems must not be passed along to taxpayers in the form of increased taxes of property or sales.

In my role as chairman of the Public Safety Committee, after two years of careful planning, I supported the construction of a new state-of-the-art fire-training tower. That tower, which will be used by all county firefighters, is now under construction in Bethel. Our firefighters and EMS workers deserve nothing less.

As vice chairman of the Veterans Committee, I have fought for the rights and services earned by our Sullivan County veterans. Senior Citizens know I’ll always listen to their concerns and raise my voice on their behalf.

We are a growing county with the possibility of even more growth on the horizon. I am committed to managing that growth with the same tenacity I brought to managing the county budget.

John LiGreci (Rep.)

I believe that a strong legislator must act as a liaison between the towns he or she represents and the county. This can only be done efficiently if you know and understand both county and town issues. The most effective way this can be accomplished is through actively attending monthly town meetings. Through this avenue, you can relay county concerns back to the municipalities and relay the needs of the citizens back to the county.

A legislator must know that he has the responsibility of truly representing the people. While we have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, at the legislative level, it is important to act as the voice for your constituency and not use this position for personal opinion or gain. Shaking hands with people at local parades does not necessarily reflect the issues of the people or needs of the town. Knowing the issues has always been my priority.

As I respectfully ask for your vote on Election Day, I remind you that my record reflects a pure commitment to a better quality of life for all people in Sullivan County. It would be my privilege to be your legislator in District 2. Remember, it’s not correct to be politically correct. It’s correct to do what’s right and necessary for the people of Sullivan County.

District 3

Gregory Goldstein (Rep., Con.)

Elwin “Woody” Wood (Dem.)

District 4

Donald P. Trotta (Rep.)

Tax increases are unpopular and should be last resort, but Sullivan County needs to replace a century-old jail. Ulster County spent $74 million for their new facility in Kingston. Orange County spent around $50 million.

I prefer not to raise property taxes and see a potential for a sales tax increase. An increase in the sales tax would allow tourists and other non-Sullivan County residents to pick up part of the tab. Sooner or later some big-ticket items like the jail will have to be addressed.

I fully support the development of high quality jobs through responsible development and increasing our efforts to bring good corporate citizens to Sullivan County. I will continue to work hard to find incentives to bring these firms to our area.

Both of the applications for Indian casinos are in the Town of Thompson where they are strongly supported. I believe casinos will benefit Sullivan County’s tourism and general economies. There are places I don’t find appropriate for their construction, such as the Shawangunk Ridge. Until I am able to study the final proposals, I give general support to casinos.

Most of the rise in the Sullivan County budget is due to mandated costs, including an almost $2 million increase in our portions of Medicaid and health care payments and in retirement system charges.

Decisions on land use issues such as commercial warehouses should be kept local. Taxpayers should have had opportunities to vote on the controversial Kohl’s warehouse and Wal-mart proposals.

Jonathan F. Rouis (Dem., Con.)

District 5

Joan Kern (Dem., WF)

I have spent most of my life as a community leader and activist. I have degrees in planning, journalism and a PhD in health, and I own La Serayna Bed and Breakfast.

I fear the changes in Sullivan County will destroy our beauty and subsequently chase our natives away. I will work to balance growth with preservation, bring businesses to the county that complement, not compete with our local businesses, support our local businesses and will help them to stimulate new economic growth, protect residents from unscrupulous contractors by re-establishing the consumer affairs office, seek voter opinion on crucial issues such as casinos and vote my district choice, bring an empire zone type program to help our farmers hire employees and provide strong incentives to farmers, seniors and not-for-profit organizations to preserve the character and beauty of Sullivan County.

District 5 is composed of the largest area of agriculture, the type of area that falls first to developers when it becomes too valuable for farmland. Thus, we must work to prevent our district from becoming the suburbs of the “growth.” I will continue to speak out against and work on such issues as the inequitable funding of education, the unfair burden of Medicaid, long, drawn out road closings that cripple tourism as well as inconvenience residents, and I will provide a hands-on accessible leadership to serve you.

Rodney Gaebel (Rep., Con.)

I have served Sullivan County government since 1992 with hard work, knowledge, honesty, integrity and experience.

I have achieved a zero percent increase in the Sullivan County tax bill during my tenure as well as brought the budget from a $10 million deficit in 1992 to a fiscally responsible budget with a fund balance in 2003; served as the chairman of the Public Works Committee; helped to create the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, Visitors Association, Emerald Corporate Park, Main Street Revitalization Project and Industrial Development Agency; worked to maintain an agricultural base and strong tourism industry; obtained Empire Zone Status and millions of dollars in state aid and federal grants for initiatives developed to rebuild Sullivan County.

District 6

Jodi Goodman (Rep., Con.)

I am running to continue to represent the Towns of Fallsburg and Liberty as a District 6 Legislator. I am committed to our community and involved in our school system.

I am a trustee for the Liberty Library, and I am on the steering committee for the Liberty at the Crossroads, a Cornell campus study.

I am also on the Liberty Alive beautification project, which won $60,000 dollars in grants to beautify the community, and I contribute to Main Street Revitalization. I am also on the executive committee for the WSUL Heart-a-thon.

During my term in the Legislature, I have made the Electrical Licensing Board more effective with the hiring of a paid inspector. I have made us a safer county with the push for the Fire Training Tower and the shutting down of an unlicensed adult home. I helped bring the Empire Zone to District 6, which will bring economic development incentives to my district and the BIG Program to help clean up the main corridors in my community. I have helped secure over $800,00 dollars in grants for Liberty and Fallsburg for infrastructure, community buildings and fire departments.

I look forward, to being the District 6 Legislator so I may continue to be the voice of reason in Sullivan County government.

Kevin Hopkins (Dem., WF)

District 7

Leni Binder (Rep., Ej)

This Legislature has worked as a team to bring growth and stability to Sullivan County; I am a proud member of that group.

We have kept property taxes steady and roads paved. Our sales tax increase was enacted to take advantage of summer population that is four times our county total and is paid by tax-exempt visitors who would pay no property tax.

Our bond rating has improved and our debt has not risen. We have brought an Empire Zone into the county, resulting in Kohls, Formaggio Cheese, Ideal Snacks and the Emerald Corporate Park with Crystal Run Medical Center, all tax-paying entities.

We have started a master plan for control of future growth and quality of life, all with grant money. We have helped the community college with its growth and physical repair and are starting a state-of-the-art fire training center.

We have updated technology and brought a 911 system to life. We have more to do and I believe my own experience and professional training, including a graduate degree in public administration, is a necessary part of a Sullivan County poised for growth.

Nathan Steingart (Dem., Con.)

Steingart plans to bring a youthful and fresh approach to the legislature. He feels the recent sales tax hike in the county is a premature move.

“Since the announcement of a significant fund balance and surplus, raising the sales tax rates over the rates of neighboring counties hurts county residents and business owners every day. Raising taxes should be our last resort, not part of an ongoing financial plan, especially when new and substantial revenue streams are on the horizon for the county,” Steingart said.

He grew up in the Town of Fallsburg and is now married with two children. He resides in Woodridge.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Buffalo in political science, he returned home to become a managing partner in the family business. Steingart Associates, located in South Fallsburg, is a regional leader in graphic design and printing. Steingart is a fourth generation owner of the business, which was established a century ago. He is a 14-year member of the Fallsburg Lions Club and a member of the Fallsburg Fire Department.

Steingart has been endorsed by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

District 8

Ronald G. Hiatt (Dem., Ej)

Hiatt’s diverse resume and experience as a resident and attorney in the Town of Thompson make him an outstanding choice for the residents of District 8. Currently, he operates a law practice in the Monticello area, specializing in real estate and matrimonial law.

Prior to the formation of his private practice, Hiatt served as managing attorney for the Sullivan County Division of Health and Family Services. In addition to providing legal counsel in this role, he was also instrumental in implementing many positive programs and initiatives for Sullivan County residents, including Wheels to Work, Family Violence Task Force, Dead Beat Dad prosecution, Foster Patent Fingerprinting and Accountability for Sanctioned Adults.

In addition to his professional achievements, Hiatt has a strong and honorable record of military and community service. While serving in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1975, he served as a pilot and executive officer of a 350-man unit responsible for maintaining a fleet of 44 Boeing 707 jet aircraft.

Of most prominence, Hiatt spearheaded the revision of the New York State Search and Rescue Mission Procedures. With this assignment, his contributions led to increased training, lessened mission length and reduced costs an average of 40 percent.

Bob Kunis (Rep., Con.)

I am vice chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, chairman of the Committee on Planning and Community Development and a current legislator representing District 8.

I was born in Sullivan County, raised in South Fallsburg and have lived the past 38 years in Monticello. In 1986, after 20 years in education, I resigned as the Sullivan County BOCES assistant superintendent to pursue a career in business. I owned and operated Catskill Beverage in Liberty and Smokers’ Choice, a chain of 17 stores located throughout southeastern New York and northeastern Pennsylvania.

My purpose for getting involved in government was to play a role in effecting positive change for our county. It has been my privilege to serve as the District 8 Thompson and Fallsburg legislator since 1996. During my tenure, I have consistently and passionately opposed trash importation into our county landfill; kept property taxes down (no property tax increase in eight years); played a major role in securing Empire Zone status for a number of businesses in my district and throughout the county; worked closely with the Towns of Thompson and Fallsburg and the Village of Monticello to help secure grant money; supported benefits and services for senior citizens, especially in the area of transportation; served as a negotiator in securing workable contracts with sovereign nations regarding potential Indian casinos; remained involved in the creation of the countywide master plan, an initiative that hasn’t been addressed in 40 years; assisted in restructuring our visitors’ association; advocated youth programs and always made certain District 8 received youth dollars; and supported union efforts and the rights of workers.

If reelected, I will seek to strengthen the ability for Latinos and other bilingual populations to deal with and understand government policies and services.

District 9

James Carnell (Rep., Con.)

Sam Wohl (Dem., WF) Sullivan County Coroner

David A. Sager (Dem., Con.)

Over the past 4 years, I have brought a high level of professionalism, integrity and dedication to the office of Coroner. I have been involved in nearly 200 cases and have worked very closely with all of the county’s police agencies.

My background in the medical sciences has given me the training to most appropriately perform the duties of coroner. These duties include overseeing the investigation process; precisely documenting the scene as well as the anatomic positioning and physiologic condition of the decedent; obtaining pertinent case information from family, friends, and witnesses; procuring accurate past and present medical history from next of kin and treating physicians; prudently determining the need for further testing such as autopsy examination, toxicological studies or radiographic analysis; interaction with and consolation of despondent family members; an understanding of and strict adherence to chain of custody and command procedures; close interaction with other medical personal, including forensic pathologists; taking legal responsibility of and securing deceased’s valuables and personal items, until they can be claimed by the next of kin; the ability to interpret and write complex medical reports, which must be able to withstand possible litigation; and timely submission of reports.

In addition, the fact that I am self-employed has given me the flexibility in scheduling so that my response times to calls has been very efficient.