Roemer's removal long overdue

by: Bill Liblick

It is a breath of fresh air seeing seven legislators uniting and putting an end to Jim Roemer's rein in negotiating labor contracts for Sullivan County.

Roemer, who was recently cited by state investigators for being included in the pension system of the many municipalities he represents, was being paid over $72,000 annually plus other perks.

Simply put, Roemer was doing a disservice for the county just by being there.

His arrogance and lack of concern for our labor force was quite evident when the Sheriff Deputies contract came up for negotiations several years ago.

Sheriff Michael Schiff, upset with the way his deputies were being dealt with by Roemer, came to blows with county officials demanding that he be removed from the labor talks.

Schiff argued that his patrol was grossly underpaid and Roemer was placing the safety of Sullivan County residents in jeopardy. Schiff went as far to threaten a lawsuit against the county if Roemer stayed.

County Attorney Sam Yasgur refused to step in at the time saying he could not come between the Sheriff's Office and the legislature's desire to have Roemer do their contract negotiations.  

Thanks to Schiff and Under Sheriff Eric Chaboty's efforts, they eventually won out and Roemer was removed from the contract negotiations. The Sheriff's Patrol finally received a compensation package that was fair and long over due.

This year, all labor unions representing Sullivan County employees banded together in contract talks. Legislators became increasingly frustrated over Roemer's haphazard way of doing business.

Sadly, chairman Johnathan Rouis and Alan Sorensen voted against the motion to remove Roemer.

Sorenson's excuse was that he did not have enough information concerning the resolution. You mean to tell me he did not know how the Sheriff Deputies were treated in the past?

Rouis went as far as to defend Roemer's conduct. He was quoted as saying Roemer “has the reputation of being one of the best in his field.”

Roemer was nothing more than a self serving overpaid individual who was looking out for himself and his firm, and not Sullivan County taxpayers or its employees.

Rouis' actions by not joining in the vote to remove Roemer could potentially damage his leadership abilities.

Just because Roemer negotiated four previous contracts did not mean he did his job well. His conduct during the Sheriff' patrol negotiations was enough proof for dismissal.

The legislature did the right thing in firing Roemer, and they must be commended for their actions. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for them to put politics aside to do what is best for the county.

County Officials say they will be retaining another attorney to do our labor negotiations.

I must ask, why can't our legislators and county attorney do that job for us? We would be saving over $72,000 a year, plus other expenses.

When it came to granting high level non union employees huge salary hikes several months ago they did not need an outside attorney. So, why do they really need one now?

Does the legislature want to wash their hands from the labor negotiations because they know we cannot afford to give out adequate pay raises?

Sullivan County is in a huge financial mess. Our sales tax projections are not meeting expectations.

You know, when you think about it, we might just need a miracle worker, and not a labor negotiator.

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