Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: February 17, 2003  

The February Session of the Ulster County Legislature met last night in a somber mood due to the recent passing of former Legislature Chairman Daniel L. Alfonso.

Chairman Todd opened with the pledge to the flag followed by a moment of silence for Daniel Alfonso. Following this, Chairman Todd opened the floor to legislators to offer remembrances of Daniel Alfonso. Among those who spoke were Majority Leader Richard Gerentine, Legislators Charles Busick, Frank Felicello, John Naccarato, Jeanette Provenzano and David Donaldson. Each had their own story to tell, but all offered the same feeling by mentioning the character, integrity, honesty and all-around knowledge of county government which he had possessed.

Chairman Todd then gave this "State of the County" address (see attached for details).  His speech focused on many things, but focused mostly on the county’s financial situation. Chairman Todd demonstrated by use of graphs a 10 year historical overview of an Ulster County budget analysis (see attachment). Chairman Todd spoke of county services and how essential they are to many of the county’s residents. He stressed how it is extremely important that, even though the county is going through a financial crises, the county must do everything in its power to maintain these essential services for the residents. 

There was one presentation made last night by Legislators Frank Felicello and Fawn Tantillo. This was a Pride of Ulster County award presented to Susan Stessin in recognition of the vast information gathered by her and her staff concerning the Ulster County Poorhouse Research project.

In other action, the Legislature unanimously passed a memorializing resolution which called for the government and state legislature to take over the 25% matching share of the Medicaid program, which is mandated by the state.