MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Legislature is looking for community members to serve on the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission board, beginning in 2025. 

During the June 20 Executive Committee meeting, board members discussed the possibility of making changes to the Human Rights Commission, which has been inactive since they last met in the summer of 2022. The county’s Division of Human Resources has been handling concerns and complaints in the interim. 

During the June meeting, discussions were had on the Legislature confirming an appointment of a full-time Executive Director to the Commission for a three-year term, who would be vetted by, hired by and report to County Manager Josh Potosek. Now, they are officially looking for a director and a fully reconstituted board, according to Rajsz. 

“All nine legislators have an opportunity to nominate someone to the board, but we need volunteers to step forward and let us know they are interested,” Rajsz explained.

The Human Rights Commission was established by the Legislature in October 2005 and is charged with fostering mutual respect and understanding among all racial, religious and national groups within the County while also promoting equality and preventing discrimination. 

The Human Rights Director position has been vacant since the last director, Adrienne Jensen, resigned in March of 2023, who served in a part-time role. She told the Legislature earlier this year that she had been working full-time hours and gave the recommendation of making it a full-time position. 

“There is far more education work that needs to occur regarding human rights in this county,” Jensen said. “Both literally and figuratively, the office size and support do not meet the immense need for the position in this county.”

There would be nine commissioners as was the case in the past, which would also be for three-year terms. As currently written, the law states that with the re-establishment of the Commission, it would begin with staggered terms, according to Sullivan County Director of Communications Dan Hust. 

Three Commissioners would serve a one-year term, three would serve two-year terms and the other three would serve three-year terms so that all of their terms would not be up at the same time. 

The Legislature will be accepting letters of interest through December 31 and Commissioners will be selected by a majority of the board to serve three-year terms. Applicants must be residents of Sullivan County, at least 18 years old and willing to serve on a volunteer basis. 

“It would be up to the Legislature to reappoint the members once their terms are up or to look for other individuals to appoint,” Hust said. “Whether a change is needed or someone says they don’t want to serve another term, it’s up to the Legislature.”

District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, Chair of the Human Resources Committee, is fully behind the idea of the Human Rights Commission and stated that she wants the director to be focused on promoting a better life for residents of the county.

“It is essential that we restore the Human Rights Commission to fulfill its original mission, and I am eager to engage with individuals who are committed to advancing this important work,” Ward said. “If you or someone you know is interested, please talk to your legislator or send a letter of interest to Legislature Clerk, AnnMarie Martin at annmarie.martin@sullivanny.us or 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701.”

The Legislators described in their June meeting that there would be a focus on education for the Human Rights Commission, with District 5 Legislator Scott explaining that many people are unaware of their rights and that having the director be able to inform the public would help decrease the level of complaints. 

“The director’s objective should be educational and reduce the number of inequities and claims,” Ward said.

District 4 Legislator Nick Salomone said that he was for making the position full-time as he was supportive of community education being a part of the position.