The Ulster County Legislature is in a transitional period. After surrendering much of its power to the to the county executive this year, in two years the Legislature will again be altered, moving from 32 representatives spread out of 11 districts to 23 single-member districts.

As such, the role County Legislature -- past and future -- was a recurring topic at a League of Women Voters event attended by the four Republican and four Democratic candidates for the office. The four Republican candidates are incumbents Robert Aiello and Dean Fabiano, and newcomers Walter Frey and Michael Sweeney. The Democrats are incumbent Gary Bischoff and newcomers Marcy Goulart, Nicole Tucker and Alverta Jones. District 4 includes Saugerties and parts of the towns of Kingston and Ulster.

The debate included two minutes for each candidate to introduce him or herself, and a two minute conclusion. The remainder of the one-hour debate consisted of questions from the audience.

While the candidates often split along party lines, that was not always the case. For instance, most of the Democratic candidates agreed with Republicans' contentions that taxes are too high. However, Bischoff emphasized that county executive Michael Hein's proposed budget raises taxes just 3.5 percent, compared with double-digit tax increases in the last two budgets when Republicans were in control. He cited such sacrifices as not filling 44 positions, plus layoffs and a buyout for long-term employees - a total of 100 staff reductions.

In response, Fabiano cited the Ulster County Jail, which went way over budget, as the main reason for large tax increases in the recent past.

Aiello said the legislature is no longer in charge of creating the budget and setting tax rates. "We respond after [the county executive] acts and makes the decisions."

Sweeney cited a study that showed Ulster County moving from the 70th highest taxed county in the country to the 48th highest taxed. At that rate, he predicted, Ulster could become the highest taxed county in the nation. Bischoff countered this statement, noting that New York is one of only two states that forces counties to pay toward

The county will be saving a good deal of money on the Legislature itself in two years, when the number of legislators is reduced, Nicole Tucker pointed out. That reduction came up again when Sweeney noted that the one representative per district form of government would also make legislators more accountable.

Fabiano said layoffs are always hard to accept, but if they are necessary, "they always seem to be at the low end among workers." He questioned the policy of not laying off higher-level employees, noting that while automobile industry executives were mainly to blame for the industry's troubles, it is the assembly line workers who are out of a job.

Frey emphasized social services as a huge cost to the county, and said he would try to encourage economic development to reduce the need for that service. "I want to change from giving you a welfare check to giving you a pay check," he said.

All the candidates except Bischoff and Fabiano agreed that the county is losing jobs, though they differed on how to solve the problem. Bischoff listed several companies that have moved to Ulster County recently, and several others that have said they plan to increase their work forces in the near future. Fabiano focused on infrastructure improvements, such as Kings Highway development and Winston Farm that will attract industry. He also chided candidates who criticized IBM, noting that the company maintained its business in Ulster County for 40 years. Frey and Sweeney emphasized reduced taxes as a way of attracting businesses that would employ people, while Jones said education is the key to creating a work force that will attract employers, and improving the infrastructure - roads, electric service, water and so on - will attract industry.

Aiello said he has been calling for a plan to bring clean industry into Ulster County for years, but has had little response. "I have had a plan for 15 years that I gave to Congressman (Maurice) Hinchey, Senator (John) Bonacic, and Representative (Kevin) Cahill. None of them were interested. It is now being done in Albany." Aiello referred to a plan to bring cutting edge medical technology to a site in Ulster County, which he circulated about 15 years ago.

A NEW WAY

One question asked the candidates: with the new form of government only a year old, is it too soon to evaluate it?

The Democrats agreed that the change has been a success, and said Hein, a Democrat, is doing a good job. Bischoff, in particular said Hein, with his eye on the county government as a whole, can make decisions that legislators are less able to make. He cited the layoffs that Hein included in his budget as an example. With legislators each overseeing a small part of the government, it would be difficult for them to work out an overall reduction plan, he said. Republicans agreed that the form of government has the potential to work well, but found more problems with Hein's performance to date.

Marcy Goulart said with a new form of government, newcomers may have an advantage. "I think legislators no longer have the power they used to have. I have talked to quite a few legislators, and even some in my own party don't seem receptive to the changes they need to make. People who are new may be more open to the new form of government than people who have been here for years."

Alverta Jones said the new form of government seems to be working well. "I think our new executive is doing everything we've asked of him. I look forward, if elected, to working very closely with him."

Frey argued that Hein was too free with salary increases, and hired more people in his office than the Charter Commission had recommended. He would not have raised anyone's salary coming into a newly created job, he said. The form of government is good, Hein is a likeable person, but Frey is not happy with his performance.

Fabiano said he supports the new form of government, and Hein's performance in general. However, he found fault with Hein's lack of cooperation with the legislature, noting that he banned his department heads from speaking directly with legislators, the press or the public. However, "I think in the long run, the executive position will be a benefit for us," he said.

At times things took a turn toward the theatric, as when Sweeney held up the key to his father's house and said that at 81 years old he must continue to work so he can pay his property taxes.

Aiello, in his closing remarks, noted that he recently had cancer surgery and nearly died. This, he said, changed his outlook considerably. "I don't care as much about bridges and economic development. When you're lying in bed and dying, there's nothing worse than that." He advised the new candidates to go slow at first, and not sign up for four committees, but to take it easy and enjoy the job.

Aiello thanked the many people who sent him cards and good wishes, and said he now favors a comprehensive health insurance plan after facing medical bills of $210,000. He named Democratic Committee chairman Michael Harkavy as one of the people who called frequently and offered support.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

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