By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — February 15, 2002 – The end came quickly and quietly as Sullivan County District Attorney Stephen Lungen saw his salary restored yesterday during the Sullivan County Legislature's Executive Committee.
Lungen's pay was reduced from $130,000 to $127,000 for 2002 at the end of last year when the budget was put in place. Lungen subsequently lobbied to get his pay restored at the previous level and receive his yearly cost-of-living increase. He was getting a $1,500 cost-of-living increase annually.
A heated discussion on the issue took place last week at the Public Safety Committee meeting. Committee Chair Jonathan Rouis would not allow the resolution to be introduced at his committee. He instead referred the matter to the Executive Committee, which met yesterday.
The resolution to restore Lungen's pay was introduced by Legislator Rodney Gaebel. It called for Lungen's 2002 salary to be $131,500. The resolution was moved by Legislator Bob Kunis and seconded by Gaebel. It passed 5-4. Voting for it were Gaebel, Kunis, Jim Carnell, Jodi Goodman, and Leni Binder. Voting against it were Rouis, Rusty Pomeroy, Kathleen LaBuda, and Chris Cunningham.
The meeting took a total of two minutes. No discussion was held before the vote took place. After it passed, Pomeroy adjourned the meeting. The resolution now must be voted upon at the Legislature’s monthly meeting on Thursday, February 21.