Newly-elected Yates County Legislative Chairman H. Taylor Fitch says the cornerstone of his agenda is to create private sector jobs.
Fitch, unanimously elected to the chairman’s seat during the legislature’s organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 4, said economic development has been an important part of his public service since he first ran for a town office in Jerusalem.
In his brief remarks after taking over the chair, Taylor commented on the newly-seated legislature, noting, “We have a well-balanced legislature with few seasoned legislators with more than 20 years of experience, three new legislators, Leslie Church, Patrick Galvin and Mark Morris (all of District III), and several who are in their second term.”
He said each legislator brings different experiences and backgrounds to the table to lead the county’s business.
“Together we can strive to provide the best services we can afford,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fitch said he sees many challenges in 2010, with reductions in federal and state aid.
“We need to do more with less in a poor economy, when county services are the most needed,” he said.
Fitch, who represents District I in the legislature, was nominated to the post by former Legislative Chairman Robert Multer, who is also a District I representative. District I covers the towns of Middlesex, Italy and Jerusalem. The nomination was seconded by Daniel Banach from District III (Milo). There were no other nominations.
The legislature elected Multer as the vice chair, on a motion offered by Dr. Timothy Dennis (District II: Benton, Potter, Torrey) and seconded by Donna Alexander (District I).
Galvin nominated Mark Morris to be elected vice chair, but no second to the motion was offered.
Other business during the organizational meeting included:
Meeting times: The legislature agreed to re-schedule the February regular meeting to Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. following a discussion about holding evening meetings on a trial basis for six months.
They had already agreed to hold the February meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. because Administrator Sarah Purdy and some legislators would be out of town on Feb. 8 and 9.
Robert Multer, James Multer and Steven Webster voted against the motion.
During the discussion about the six month trial, Robert Multer had pointed out that any changes to the legislature’s rules needed to be passed by a unanimous vote at one meeting and then by a majority vote at the following meeting. He said there may be other changes to the rules that should be considered, and recommended the rules be completely reviewed.
Appointments: The legislature unanimously agreed to appoint Purdy to the budget officer position for a two year terms ending Dec. 31, 2011. Connie Hayes re-appointed legislative clerk, Bernetta Bourcy was re-appointed the county attorney and Edward Brockman was re-appointed public defender.
Fitch appointed Larry Lewis to serve a three year term on the Board of Directors of the Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District term commencing Jan. 1.
