Legislator Goodman Looks to Change Legislative Rules

Last month Sullivan County Legislators Jodi Goodman and Leni Binder were calling for a rule change do to accusations that they improperly received tickets for Bethel Woods shows. The two legislators received tickets in the past for a box owned by orchid dealer Stuart Salinger. Goodman, whose district covers a good portion of Liberty voted twice in favor of admitting parcels owned by Salenger into the county’s Agricultural District Number Four.

The ethics code for county legislators is separate from the legislative rules. But the ethics document does state that “under any circumstances in which it could be reasonably inferred that the gift was intended to influence him or her or could reasonably be expected to influence him or her in the performance of his or her official duties or was intended as an award for any official action on his or her part” and a legislator cannot accept a gift of more than $75.

Goodman and Binder previously sat in a box seat owned by Salinger, box seats at Bethel Woods start at $5,500.

There was a press release issued by the county on this matter on June 27th:

Sullivan County Legislators Leni C. Binder (R-7) and Jodi I. Goodman (R-6) have requested that Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis create a commission to review the draft ethics law that has been developed by the current ethics committee and submitted to the Law Department. That draft ethics law was largely based upon the ethics codes of other counties and municipalities, but before the recent ethics reforms that were initiated by Governor Cuomo earlier this month.

“We have requested that the current draft ethics law, along with the recent reforms initiated by Governor Cuomo, be forwarded to a review group that would be comprised of citizens with some background in ethics and above reproach. This review should build upon what has been included in the draft ethics law, and create a clear and understandable policy that works in practice and theory,” said Binder and Goodman.

“I would be happy to heed their request and appoint such a commission in the name of good open accountable government,” said Rouis. “I will act upon Legislator Binder’s and Legislator Goodman’s request prior to the scheduled meetings that are scheduled for July,” added Rouis.

“There must be a clear and understandable policy that will protect the public trust, while at the same time providing reasonable guidelines relating to when an interest is involved, and more clearly defining gifts, and the prohibition of gifts only from those individuals, firms, or organizations that have a stated value, and that have a contract with Sullivan County or have an interest in Legislation before the County. There must not be any misconstruing that a County officer or employee should not be prohibited from providing or receiving hospitality from individuals, forms, or organizations that have NO CONTRACTS with Sullivan County, nor any interest in matters where the officer or employee would have any jurisdiction,” added Rouis.

Goodman told the River Reporter that “We believe it would be preferable to amend the rules of the legislature to permit a legislator to abstain under circumstances where a legislator has a close relationship with, or has been the beneficiary of hospitality from, a person or firm who has an interest in a matter pending before the legislature.”.

Leni Binder stated in a press release from the county managers office that “rules of the legislature do not allow lawmakers to abstain to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, but only to avoid an actual conflict of interest”.

We’ll have more on this story as it becomes available.

Sources: The River Reporter, Sullivan County Website

Jeremy Gorelick Resigns From SC Chamber Board Chairman

Jeremy Gorelick has resigned from the position of Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman.

“My commitment to the other community organizations and initiatives of which I am a member remains undiminished”

Jeremy is running for Town of Liberty Councilman this year. He previously ran for Councilman last year losing to Maurice Gerry.

FREE Kids Fishing Derby at Hanofee Park Saturday!

The Town of Liberty Parks & Recreation Department will be sponsoring their annual “FREE” Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to noon, at Hanofee Park in Liberty. The rain date is July 23, 2011.

The fishing derby is for children ages 3 –14 years old (a Parent/guardian must attend). Please bring a fishing pole and bait if you have. Trophies & prizes will be awarded. Children must fish from shore.

For further information please call 292-7690.

Photo: Shutterstock

Hogweed is here – how to identify and deal with this dangerous plant (Caution Graphic Photos)

With news that the invasive Hogweed plant has come to Ferndale, we thought it would be good time to educate you on how to identify it. This plant is no joke – it can permanently burn you and if you rub your eyes after contact you could be blind for life.

Identifying Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is listed as a noxious weed. It is a perennial herb that is in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It can grow 12 feet or more and has hollow, ridged stems that grow 2-4 inches in diameter and have dark reddish-purple blotches.

Hogweed has white flower heads that can grow up to 2 1/2 feet in diameter and has large compound leaves that can grow up to 5 feet wide.

Hogweed is often confused with other plants that look very similar: Cow Parsnip, Wild Parsnip, Angelica, and Poison Hemlock. The NYS DEC has a great page on the differences between Hogweed and those plants: Giant Hogweed Indentification

Hogweed Across New York State

The largest concentration of hogweed is in Western and Central New York State. It came to the United States in the early 20th century as an ornamental garden plant. Seeds are typically distributed by water and birds. Below is a Hogweed concentration map provided by the NYS DEC.

Hogweeds Serious Burns

We cannot stress enough that you should NEVER try getting rid of Hogweed yourself if is on your property. One simple call to the DEC (845-256-3111) and they will come and eradicate the plant for you. Contact with Hogweed sap can severely burn you or blind you.

When giant hogweed sap, which contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins, contacts human skin in conjunction with sunlight, it can cause phytophotodermatitis – a serious skin inflammation. In brief, the sap prevents your skin from protecting itself from sunlight which leads to a very bad sunburn. Heat and moisture (sweat or dew) can worsen the skin reaction. The phototoxic reaction can begin as soon as 15 minutes after contact, with sensitivity peak between 30 minutes and two hours after contact.

What are the symptoms of exposure to giant hogweed sap?

Where is the toxic sap located?

What should you do if you are exposed to giant hogweed sap?

Who to contact if you see Giant Hogweed

You should contact the NYS Department of Enviromental Conservation right away if you think you have Hogweed Plants. They can help you identify the plant and will come to eradicate it. You can call them at 845-256-3111 or e-mail pictures of the plant to : ghogweed@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Again – if you suspect Hogweed – call or e-mail the NYS DEC.

County Issues Rabies Advisory after Rabid Fox Attack in Swan Lake

In response to a rabid fox attack at a camp in Swan Lake last week (July 3rd & 4th), Sullivan County Public Health Director, Carol Ryan has issued an advisory to watch for rabid animals. The fox attacked a 5 year old girl and a 81 year old woman at Camp Gala. Joanne Gerow trapped the grey fox involved in the Swan Lake attacks.

Here is the advisory issued by Sullivan County:

Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau has announced that the Sullivan County Public Health Director, Carol Ryan, has developed the following public service announcement article to educate the public about rabies:

The rabies virus occurs commonly in animals throughout Sullivan County and across New York State. In the past week, there have been several encounters between humans and rabid animals such as foxes, raccoons and skunks. The vast majority of rabies cases reported each year, in fact, occurs in wild animals like these. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid. Small rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks, ) and lagomorphs (such as rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans in the United States.

What Can People Do To Protect Themselves Against Rabies?

Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and man. Protect them, and you protect yourself and family. Vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age are effective for a one-year period. Revaccinations are effective for up to three years. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors.

Don’t try to separate two fighting animals. Wear gloves if you handle your pet after a fight. Keep family pets indoors at night. Don’t leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.

Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed, food garbage or other foods that may attract animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens. Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.

Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten by any animal. Tell children not to touch any animal except their own.

If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control officer who will remove the animal for a fee. If you are being threatened by a wild animal, go indoors and call the local police.

Seek treatment for all animal bites and report contact with wild animals to Sullivan County Public Health Services at (845) 292-5910. If you can safely do so, don’t let an animal escape that has possibly exposed someone to rabies. Depending on the species, it can be observed or tested for rabies in order to avoid the need for rabies treatment for people or euthanization for exposed unvaccinated pets. This includes bats that have had skin contact or have been found in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone with mental impairment. Bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain circumstances people can be bitten and not know it.

Bats can be particularly difficult to keep out of buildings because they can get through cracks as small as a pencil. Methods to keep bats out (bat proofing) of homes and summer camps should be done during the fall and winter. If bats are already inside (e.g., in an attic or other areas), consult with your local health department about humane ways to remove them.

References: CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the New York State Department of Health, and Sullivan County Public Health Services. For more information, call (845) 292 5910, or visit: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/guide.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Sources: Sullivan County, recordonline

2011 Town of Liberty Early Election Poll – Vote Now!

Election day is not for another 4 months but we’re getting started early. Take our 2011 Early Election Poll! We’ve created a few polls for each office that is up for grabs in Liberty this year. If there is any candidate we’ve missed feel free to say so in the comment section below! Also if there is anything you want addressed this election year please feel free to state it in the comment section below.

The candidates so far are (it’s very early, these candidates aren’t 100% official yet since the major parties won’t have their caucus for a while yet): Town Supervisor: Lynn Killian (Ind), Charlie Barbuti (D). Town Councilman: Jeremy Gorelick (D), Dean Farrand (Ind), Tom Hasbrouck (R), and Elliott Schneider. Sullivan County District 6 Legislator: Jodi Goodman (R), Cora Edwards (D).

And here are the actual polls: (Each one is a separate poll so make sure you hit vote on each!)

 Loading ...

 Loading ...

 Loading ...

Crowds flock to Annual Liberty Festival – Photos and Video

This past Monday was the Annual Liberty Festival in the Village of Liberty. Hundreds, even thousands of people descended on Main Street to enjoy a great parade, a large number of vendors, and a beautiful day. Liberty also looked great thanks to the hard work of Liberty Pride and the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce.

There was not a parking spot to be found in Liberty before the Parade started it’s way down main street. But once you were able to get on main street you were treated to a great parade featuring firetrucks, classic cars, motorcycles, and this being an election year for the Town – many aspiring politicians.

There was a wide array of vendors on Main Street – everything from jewelry to clothing, and things you just don’t see everyday like miniature fake dogs. Our favorite food vendor Carrero’s Italian Sausage was on site temping your taste buds with their classic sausage and peppers.

We especially enjoyed the Sullivan County ASPCA with their adorable puppies.

The best part of the day was the smiling faces on the kids that were taking in the day. This is the kind of event that Liberty’s future will recall years from now.

We captured some of the day in photos, and one video of Liberty’s Charlie Barbuti playing the tuba:

It was a great day, hope to see you on Main Street again next year!!

Summer Reading Program at Liberty Public Library

It’s that time again to register for Liberty Public Library’s annual summer reading program. This year’s theme will be “One World, Many Stories”. Beginning July 1st, children entering grades 1 & 2 will be meeting every Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and children entering grades 3 – 5 will meet from 11 am to 12 noon. We hope you will join us as we travel around the world with stories & crafts, too. Small prizes can be earned for completing book logs.

We are excited to announce two additional summer programs this year. “Dance around the World with Miss Jane” will teach children traditional dances from Africa, Spain, Mexico, Ireland, Japan, and Australia. Children entering 3rd – 5th grades will meet every Thursday afternoon from 4:30 pm– 6:30 pm beginning July 7th to learn the dances. An end of summer performance for the public will be held on Friday, August 19th at 6:30 pm.

Our second addition is for preschool children, ages 2 to 5 years, however siblings are always welcome. Called “Pajama Story Hour”, it meets Tues. evenings at 6:30 p.m., and will feature stories, rhymes, games, crafts, and music. What a great, free way for families to end a summer day! This program will run Tuesday evenings beginning June 28th. Our year-round story hour for kids will also continue on Weds. mornings at 11 a.m.

These programs are supported in part by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act Funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Library and Museum Services.

To register for these free programs or for more information, please call the library (845) 292-6070 or stop by. For a full list of all our programs, visit the library’s website at http://www.libertypubliclibrary.org. We hope to see you all at the library, soon.

Release provided by the Liberty Public Library

Line-up Announced for 18th Annual Liberty 4th of July Festival

The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce announced its line-up of activities for its 18th Annual Liberty Festival. Liberty’s Main Street will be filled with booths of artisanal and food vendors as well as representatives from area non-profit and volunteer organizations. Performances on the Main Stage will begin at 11 AM and will feature area talent, with MC Jackie Horner (inspiration for “Dirty Dancing”) and a reading by Poet Laureate Walter Keller. New this year is Paulina, with an art-picnic for all ages, on the lawn in front of the Main Stage from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Come and sketch while listening to great music.

The classic car, motorcycle and tractor show, sponsored by Immaculate Concepts, begins at 10:30 AM – to participate, please contact Joel at 295-0300 for more information.

The parade kicks off at 12:05 PM and will continue up Liberty’s Main Street. Anyone interested in participating and/or bringing a float should contact the Liberty Chamber of Commerce at 292-9797. Immediately following the end of the parade will be the dedication of the Liberty Police Department flag pole in front of the police department entrance.

Also new this year is the first annual hot dog eating contest, sponsored by Garry’s Great American. Twenty challengers will face off with each other to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a 60-second period; the winner will receive $150 and the honor of being the champion of Liberty’s contest! Interested participants please contact the Liberty Chamber of Commerce at 845 292 9797 – first come, first served.

Thanks to Jean Dermer (Catskill Shopper) and the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce for this submission.

Liberty Pride Beautification Project 2011

Liberty’s beautification project is well underway with its next big work day scheduled for Saturday, June 11th.

Anyone interested in participating in planting flowers in the planters along Main Street, helping to weed the roundabouts and other gardens, or just looking to find out more is invited to join us at 10 AM at LaPolt Park. Please remember to bring gloves and any other garden implements that you might have! For more information, please call 292-9797.