MONTICELLO – Cooperation and respect.

Last week the Sullivan County Republican Committee met to chart a new direction under the guidance of new leadership.

Greg Goldstein, who previously had served as chair for 17 years, was appointed by Chair Gary Maas to replace himself as the new chair and Goldstein brought in Callicoon Supervisor Tom Bose as his vice chair to help restore harmony and cohesiveness to what they say is a  splintered party.

District 1 Legislator Rob Doherty, Legislative Chairman, was the focus of the Republicans new agenda, which is going to stress the importance of working together through mutual respect and a cooperativeness that has been lacking in the 3 1/2 years since this new legislature was elected.

Republican leaders have pointed to the five legislators who are now in control – Chairman Doherty, George Conklin, Nicholas Salomone, Michael Brooks and Alan J. Sorensen – as running the county without any input from the other legislators.

Heated debate, accusations and personal attacks have dominated the first 3 1/2 years of the new legislators four-year term. 

District 3 Legislator Michael Brooks, who is Vice Chair of the Board, said, “I think the change will have a positive impact. I am in agreement with that. I thank Gary [Maas] for his time and look forward to the new leadership [in the Republican Party]. 

“Greg [Goldstein] has a unique personality,” Brooks  said. 

Brooks, like Goldstein, has held many different roles in the community.

Brooks served as President of the Tri-Valley school board and councilman in the Town of Neversink before being elected to the legislature.

He is also a Republican Town Committeeman.

“That experience has been very valuable,” he said. “Looking to the future, I think we need more outreach to folks. Communication and education is important… communication is paramount.”

Brooks said while he realizes “we are only temporary occupants of the [legislator] seat” everyone needs to work toward the same goal.

“I will welcome the changes [the Republican Party is talking about],” Brooks said. “I think Greg has a very good perspective on things and I’m looking forward to the changes.”

District 4 Legislator Nicholas M. Salomone Jr. said, “I’m very optimistic. I hope [the new changes] they work.

“Greg is a healer,” Salomone said. “I’m happy it all came together.”

Salomone said all the fingers pointed at Doherty may be overkill.

He pointed out that many people, both in the audience and on the board, argued as passionately as Doherty but seemed to be overlooked.

“He’s [Doherty] a big guy,” Salomone said. “He’s just great and he explains everything he’s doing.”

Salomone said the board used to have weekly meetings to go over the inner workings of the board, but they have been disbanded.

He said this board has accomplished many important things, including keeping the debt down, holding line on spending and many other items.

See part three of this story in Tuesday’s edition.