16th UC LEGISLATURE: CLASS OF 2010

With the coming of a new year, comes a list of promises from the governing bodies throughout the country. Ulster County was no different. This past Wednesday night, January 6th, the ceremonies that welcomed the 16th induction of the Ulster County Legislature took place. Yours truly was right in the middle of it all.

Transparency and bipartisanship were the themes we heard throughout the evening. Small steps were made in that effort during the last two sessions, but apparently, not enough. Mind you, the Democrats took control in 2006 just as the Charter Revision was taking place, combined with the fact that they hadn't held control of the Legislature for decades before then. Now, during the last class of "Fiddlers 33" the Republicans get to steer the last bloated ship to dock.

As you see above, Chairman Wadnola was chosen unanimously and the audience got to hear some humorous banter during our first organizational session. Parting wishes were offered to those leaving the body as well as Congrats to those joining.

During one odd exchange, the Democratic caucus took the initiative to reinstate the original language describing the Mission Statement of the Committee Chaired by Terry Bernardo. Racing through the agenda, we fully expected to hear someone from the majority motion to amend the watered down version on the floor, but there was silence. So, Legislators Provenzano, Zimet, Parete and Donaldson had a one party conversation with the new chairman regarding protocol with the result of unanimous vote to reinstate the original language. Congrats Terry!

Chairman Wadnola called on lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle to put aside their partisan differences and work together “in a real bipartisan effort” to do what must be done for the county’s residents. I think the Democrats made that impression on day one.

Now, as a County Legislator, I join the chorus of members who claim the Legislature must assert itself as a separate but equal branch of a government. Many of my colleagues have been in office long enough to still feel the former duties in their routine. I, having just come from the Common Council, join them knowing the separation of the two branches quite well. Lets see where this takes me and the 16th Legislature as we head into 2010.