MONTICELLO, NY — In 2019, there were 11 standing committees of the Sullivan County Legislature, covering such areas as health, economic development, veterans issues and so on.

In previous years, the chair of the legislature was typically the chair of the executive committee, which was also made up of the eight other legislators. In the past, the chair did not also appoint him or herself to other committees.

This year, newly elected District 1 legislator and legislative chair Rob Doherty appointed himself to multiple committees. On January 16, a resolution was introduced in the executive committee meeting to clarify that the chair “may appoint himself/herself to serve as a member of a standing committee or the chair of the standing committee in an official capacity.”

The resolution came to the attention of several legislators just before the meeting began and sparked protest from some members.
“I would suggest we send [the resolution] to the state to get their opinion,” Legislator Ira Steingart said.

Legislator Joe Perrello said, “Well, it should be discussed at least… all this does is lock up the committees.”

Legislator Luis Alavarez, who was previously chair, argued that Doherty was trying to amend the county code without proper discussion and without letting the public know.

“Our code does not state that I cannot appoint myself,” Doherty said.

Steingart said this would justify Doherty putting himself on “every committee.”

After a bit more discussion, county attorney Cheryl McCausland said, “This [resolution] is [about] the rules of the legislature. The county code and the county charter are not a part of this particular discussion. If it was the code or charter we’d have to change it by local law. This is just addressing the rules we adopted Tuesday. They can be changed by a majority resolution vote.”

McCausland confirmed that, under the rules as they already existed, the chairman could vote in any committee.

Perrello objected to being taken off the planning committee. Doherty said, “Joe, I’m on that, you can have my spot.” Perrello suggested that the motion be tabled.

Doherty said, “I’m the chairman, I think we should take a vote.”

The vote was five to three, with Perrello, Alvarez and Steingart voting against and Doherty, George Conklin III, Nicholas Salomone Jr., Michael Brooks and Alan Sorensen voting in favor; Nadia Rajsz was absent.