I know some in our community may think the county commission is moving too slowly, I just want to thank them for proceeding in the right direction. Not all problems can be solved in a year or even two. To resolve most problems of any magnitude will and does take time. Time to formulate ideas, time to turn those ideas into policies, time to forge consensus between commission members, time for staff recommendations, time needed because of legal or procedural rules and time to make sure the majority of citizens want that particular policy.

Nothing bears this out more than the re-negotiation of the Business Development Board contract. Clearly 4 out of 5 commissioners want that to happen. But again the element of time is an important part of that negotiation. While I would like nothing more than to see that contract abrogated, I know that is not currently possible without the county becoming embroiled in costly litigation. After forty years making my living in New York commercial real estate, I know that litigation produces only attorneys as winners.

The ultimate goal for the county should be to end all participation with the BDB. Any outreach by government to the business community should be handled by county staff.  I believe a better method of serving the needs of new and existing businesses within the county would be to have an ombudsman’s office to help with permitting, licensing, etc. Business people want and should expect certainty when dealing with the government. The rules and procedures should be the same for all; and not onerous, arbitrary or capricious.

The county should never be in this predicament as a signatory to such a long term contract. It should be forbidden for any commission to negotiate more than a three-year term with any entity including options and extensions (certain real estate leases and some other categories could be exceptions). To commit the county for a longer period ties the hands of future commissions and can frustrate the will of the citizens. As we know circumstances, finances and goals change with time.