By Matt Youngfrau
SULLIVAN COUNTY — May 3, 2002 – When Sullivan County Legislature Chair Rusty Pomeroy announced his resignation from the Legislature two questions surfaced – who would become the new chair of the Legislature and who would take Pomeroy’s District 3 seat?
The Legislature has to vote on a new chair before the next full board meeting on Thursday, June 20. An appointment for the vacancy in District 3 is expected to be made in early June, an election for Pomeroy’s unexpired term will take place in November.
While many names have surfaced for the seat, only one has publicly stated that he wants it – Sullivan County Republican Party Chair Greg Goldstein. Goldstein made his intentions clear in an exclusive interview with the Sullivan County Democrat.
“I am definitely going for it,” Goldstein said. “I am committed to run for the position. I can do the job.”
Goldstein plans to make an official announcement in two weeks. He has written to the Conservative Party looking for their endorsement as well.
Goldstein also stated that he has spoken to the three town (Fremont, Rockland, and Neversink) Republican chairs that make up District 3 and has their support. Goldstein plans to write to the Legislature and ask to be appointed to the seat in the interim.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Goldstein stated. “I want to help move the county along. This is an exciting time in the county.”
“It is good to have a qualified candidate who is willing to dedicate the time and effort,” noted Sullivan County Legislature Minority Leader Rodney Gaebel. “Greg has given freely of his time, at his own expense, to bring casino gaming to the area.
“He has always been ready, willing, and able to help with county government,” Gaebel continued. “He is well aware of a lot of the issues.”
Goldstein lives in Neversink. He was born and raised in Roscoe, where his parents still live. He plans to remain chair of the Republican Party.