By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — Want to weigh in on SUNY Sullivan’s proposed budget or the county’s plan to exceed the property tax cap?
The dates have changed.
The public hearing on SUNY Sullivan’s $17 million budget – $4 million of which will come directly from county taxpayers – has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Government Center in Monticello, just prior to the regular monthly full Legislature meeting.
The public hearing on the Sullivan County Legislature’s intent to exceed the state-mandated 2 percent property tax cap in next year’s budget (still being crafted) has also been rescheduled, this time to Thursday, August 16 at 4 p.m., again at the Government Center and just before the regular monthly full Legislature gathering.
Against ‘United’
Elsewhere during June 21’s full Legislature meeting, members of Sullivan County’s MoveOn.org chapter jointly asked legislators for their support in getting the federal “Citizens United” Supreme Court decision overturned.
That decision granted “personhood” to corporations and allowed the formation of “super PACs” and other political organizations which funnel unlimited amounts of money to sitting and campaigning politicians.
“Elections are won by money, not by votes,” lamented Kathie Aberman, a Liberty resident and member of MoveOn.org Sullivan.
She added that over 300 signatures of support have been collected from local residents, and legislators like Cora Edwards indicated they may take action on the resolution next month.
“I’m going to advocate for it 110 percent,” said Edwards, lauding the group for bringing the concern to the Legislature. “... I consider this democracy in action.”