Letter To The Editor: Byrne Should Respect "Share the Growth" Plan

To the editor:

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% 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 stated 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 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 2-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 the "Share the Growth" is
clearly the right thing to do.

Neal Sullivan

Chairman, Putnam County Legislature