MONTICELLO, NY — Global geopolitical matters intruded a bit into Sullivan County affairs at the monthly meeting of the county legislature on August 20, at the government center. County Chairman Scott Samuelson read a proclamation recognizing the 24th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine from the former Soviet Union.

The proclamation said in part, “While a portion of Ukraine’s territory is currently under foreign occupation, we recognize the territorial integrity of Ukraine as sovereign and inviolable, and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those under direct threat from Russia’s unrelenting aggressive behavior, including the indigenous Tartar people, whose language rights and culture are being threatened today, much as they were during the Soviet and Tsarist regimes when attempts were made to eradicate them.”

Posing for a picture with Samuleson were the Town of Lumblerland Supervisor Nadia Rajsz and Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda, who represents district two, which includes the Town of Lumberland. Lumberland has a large number of residents of Ukrainian ancestry.

LaBuda and Rajsz are facing each other in a September primary in a race for the Democratic nomination to compete for the district two legislative seat in November.