Treasurer to Turn Into
County Manager

By John Emerson
MONTICELLO — August 25, 2000 – It appears Sullivan County Treasurer Dan Briggs will be trading in one hat for another in county government on Monday when the legislature announces its choice for county manager.
“It’s not official yet, but it’s my understanding that’s what they are meeting about today,” said Briggs yesterday. “All I can say is that I’m flattered, and I’m going to try my best and give it an honest effort with whatever God-given abilities that I have.”
Highly placed sources within county government have confirmed that Briggs is the legislature’s choice for the position. A meeting scheduled for late yesterday was purportedly to go over final details of an employment contract between Briggs and the county. The sources said the official announcement is planned for Monday.
Briggs was one of four finalists for the position. County Planning Commissioner Alan Sorensen was also among the finalists. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Sources said that Legislature Chairman Rusty Pomeroy did not support either Briggs or Sorensen for the position, in the belief that someone from outside county government would make a better choice. Other legislators, including minority leader Rodney Gaebel and majority leader Leni Binder, however, apparently disagreed with Pomeroy’s assessment of the situation and the position.
Once Briggs’ appointment becomes official, he will become the first current Sullivan County resident named to the position since Paul Rouis left office in June 1993.
Briggs’ appointment will create a vacancy in the treasurer’s office that will be filled until the next election by an appointment. At the moment, it is not clear if the appointment to fill the vacated position will be made by the legislature or whether Governor George Pataki has the right to make the appointment under state law.
Yesterday, WVOS, the Liberty-based radio station, claimed that Legislator Chris Cunningham would be the person appointed to the vacant treasurer’s post.
“I applied for the position because I view this as a new challenge and believe a lot of good things are going to happen in the next five years,” Briggs said. “This is my county. I was raised here, and my family is being raised here. I don’t plan on going anywhere and expect to finish my career in public service as the county manager.”
Briggs, a Republican, is currently in the middle of his fifth term as county treasurer. He was first elected to the office in November 1981 and took office in January 1982. He has held the post since, sometimes running for re-election with either token or no opposition.