Rouis is new top lawmaker

He’ll seek unity to meet coming challenges

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — Legislator Jonathan Rouis, who was the only county lawmaker to run unopposed in the November elections, was unanimously voted in as the new county chairman on January 3. The move, which was widely expected, came at the organizational meeting at the government center in Monticello.

In brief remarks after the swearing in, Rouis said he was “truly humbled and honored” to accept the position and said that the nine lawmakers would need to put their differences aside to meet the challenge of creating “sustainable economic development” in Sullivan County. He listed some of the main concerns facing the county, which include coming up with ways to mitigate damage from flooding, determining how to deal with garbage generated in the county, especially if the planned landfill expansion falls through, and building and funding the new state-mandated county jail.

Rouis’ election as chair came after all nine legislators took the oath. Newly elected county clerk Republican Dan Briggs swore in the Republican lawmakers?Jodi Goodman, Leni Binder and newcomers David Sager and Alan Sorensen. Judge Frank LaBuda, a Democrat, swore in the Democratic lawmakers?his wife Kathy LaBuda, Frank Armstrong, Elwin Wood, Ron Hiatt and Rouis.

Also at the meeting, Sam Yasgur was reappointed for another term as county attorney. AnneMarie Martin was reappointed as clerk to the legislature.