Putnam Legislator Sets the Record Straight on ‘Share the Growth’ Initiative
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
It would be unfortunate for the incoming county executive to upend such a historical initiative and disrespect the goodwill and partnership between the leaders of county government and the towns and villages.
The “Share the Growth” resolution includes language that memorializes protection to the county revenues that are needed to offset increased New York State mandates, which represent 70 percent of county spending. It will also allow the county to continue to meet our labor contractual obligations and protect us from any unforeseen challenges that we have come to expect all too well.
I do not recognize this as a diversion; instead, I would suggest that the county’s very solid fiscal position, as stated by our independent auditors at the July Audit Committee meeting, allows us to assist our local colleagues in government to put in place projects that they are unable to fund. Many of these projects reflect the importance of road improvements, mental health, substance abuse, food insecurity and the implementation of school safety programs, which have been identified by this agreement to enhance the quality of life for our families and mitigate the fiscal impact. Working together will benefit all the taxpayers and promote goodwill and partnership.
Charter government has been in place in Putnam County since 1979; as such, it requires a mutual agreement between the county executive and the legislature to make the responsible decisions that will affect all budgetary and administrative decisions.
I respectfully suggest that Assemblyman Byrne work with the legislature in 2023, all elected officials, as well as the many very experienced and knowledgeable county department heads and understand why this very groundbreaking resolution was passed unanimously by the legislature.
My recommendation as a two-term member of the legislature, local business owner and a volunteer in many local organizations, is to work within the 2023 budget year as it will be adopted by the Putnam County Legislature.
Then, and only then, will Assemblyman Byrne see firsthand why Share the Growth is clearly the right thing to do.
Neal Sullivan
Putnam County Legislator, District 9
Carmel
