On March 9, 2000 the County Legislative Executive Committee disclosed the 1999 performance evaluation for County Manager Jonathan Drapkin. The evaluation was conducted by, written by and signed by Chairman of the Legislature Raymond (Rusty) N. Pomeroy II. Mr. Pomeroy proclaimed Mr. Drapkin to be an outstanding employee. There was no criticism or need for improvement. The review was accepted, and passed, by the committee as expected.

On March 24, 2000 Mr. Drapkin resigned his position, thereby nullifying his recently renewed contract. Is the outcome of the review not mutually satisfying?

It is possible that Mr. Drapkin has done an outstanding job for his employer? We, the people, have no way of knowing. Although paid a salary from tax dollars, Mr. Drapkin never worked for the taxpayers. According to the County Charter, the position “serves at the pleasure of the County Legislature”.

The manager has certain fiscal duties to perform, but how those duties are performed rests with the board. The manager is charged with enforcing the local laws adopted by the legislature. The manager appoints certain key positions, such as the county auditor, with the approval of the Legislature. We, the people, have no say.

We, the people, do vote. Once every four years we vote for the Legislators who represent us. That is when we voice our opinion by voting for the candidate that runs unopposed. Those elected officials then decide who their chairman will be. We, the people, can protest; but they, the elected officials, decide. We, the people, then pay their salaries.

Unlike the County Treasurer, Sheriff, District Attorney and Coroner, all elected by the people, the County Attorney is also appointed by the Legislature.

We, the people, can well imagine the conflict of interest that could arise in certain circumstances. Let’s say, hypothetically, that the Chairman of the Legislature, who lists his main occupation as real estate broker, bids on a property at a tax auction sale. He is informed by the elected County Treasurer that this action is highly irregular and should desist immediately. The elected County Treasurer, as is his duty to the public, would immediately report this activity to the elected District Attorney. The elected District Attorney would then take proper action by referring the matter to the County Attorney appointed by the Legislature. And so, the circle is complete.

As easily as the County Charter can be revised to increase their salaries, the County Legislature can create a revision in the charter to liberate the government from themselves. Give the power back to us, the people.

As I wish Mr. Drapkin the greatest and most well deserved personal and professional success in his new career, I hope, at this juncture in the course of Sullivan County history, that our government will relinquish the rein of control that is currently an impediment to fair and honest democracy. Revise the Charter and let us elect a County Executive and County Attorney.

The County should not be ruled by the iron fist of a thirty three year old law student and real estate broker with high political and financial aspirations.