NORWICH – Richard B. Decker, R-North Norwich, was unanimously elected chairman of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors on Friday for the 12th consecutive year.
Town of Guilford Supervisor Alton B. Doyle, himself a veteran politician having served his town for 14 years, made the nomination. It was seconded by Personnel Committee Chairman Wayne Outwater, R-Lincklaen.
In accepting the position, Decker thanked the board for its continued support and reflected on two capital projects currently underway: the public safety tower project and renovation of the former Sheriff’s Office and jail into offices for the Department of Social Services.
He said the tower project will provide the county’s fire, police and highway personnel with modern, up-to-date equipment which, in turn, “benefits every taxpayer and resident.”
Demolition of the jail cell structure should begin soon, he said, followed by renovations. “Once we can get the DSS administration over there, the rest of the moves we want to make in this building can get started ... not soon enough for the courts, I’m sure,” he said.
Decker was referring to statements made late last year by the New York Sate Office of Court Administration. The statements called for a much sooner move-in date and a greater number of offices than the county had planned to free up.
Decker also warned supervisors that New York Governor Paterson’s budget proposals will cost taxpayers more.
“I can’t help but believe that this is only the beginning. There is no way they can cut that deficit by the proposals offered. We need to be constantly vigilant of what’s taking place in Albany and be prepared to react here. I don’t think there is any doubt in anyone’s mind that with the tough economic forecasts, and with what’s going on in Washington and Albany, that 2009 is going to be a rough year.”

The county board voted in Julie A. Gates as public facilities director, but not until after an executive session to discuss personnel issues.
Prior to the 15 minute session, Supervisor Jerry L. Kreiner, R-Plymouth, asked his fellow supervisors to justify filling the spot.
“Why do we need the position?” he asked.
Agriculture, Buildings & Grounds Committee Chairman Robert Briggs said the department needed “oversight” and someone to “take charge.”
“Haven’t we been getting along fine without it?” Kreiner asked.
“Yes, somewhat,” said Briggs. “But not the way we expect it to be.”
Kreiner asked whether a member of Briggs committee had met with the department’s long time Assistant Superintendent, Brian A. Aikins, who has been filling the vacant post off and on for several years.
“Has anybody sat down with him to explain what needs to be done the way you expect it to be?” asked Kreiner.
Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law joined Kreiner in voting against the appointment after the executive session ended.
Following the vote, the Plymouth supervisor said he was frustrated with the board’s decision. “I don’t think we need to spend the money ... no one could convince me that we need to,” he said.
When asked whether his question about a meeting between the committee and Aikins ever occurred, he said, “My vote answers that. I asked the question and received just blank looks.”
Briggs said he was confident that the new appointee would “do an excellent job” and “be able to get the jail project done.”