Since you were kind enough to publish my recent treatise on Dissolution of the Village of Ellenville, it seems that I've inadvertently touched a nerve with dozens of village residents (and some town residents also) who, without exception, are fervently in favor of such a proposal and are seeking some guidance on how to approach the proposal, sensitive as it may be.

Firstly, some background. A number of those who spoke with me concerning such an innovation in local government sought background on it. To the best of my failing memory, here goes:

Many years ago, 20 or 30 or so, an Ellenville resident matriculating at Cornell University and studying government or such sought out a project for her class. Her dad, as I recall, suggested the topic of dissolving the Village of Ellenville, proving that village residents have long been unhappy campers.

But I digress. The project was grasped upon with vigor, and the group of about six to eight students descended on the village and commenced to complete their project — which they did. The final analysis was then, as it has been over the years, a resounding positive decision that dissolution was a viable alternative and financially advantageous for Ellenville village residents.

And there the proposal rested…and died! It died, however, not on its own merits but rather that those who favored it, as usual, did nothing to pursue its progress. You've heard the phrase, "On the plains of hesitation rest the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to rest and, resting, died!" Indeed, as history will demonstrate, that's Ellenville!

Several years later, however, another stalwart patriot, Dr. Sandy Rubenstein, resurrected the proposal and vigorously researched it, spending countless hours. Finally he made an impassioned presentation to the Village Board of Trustees. And, again, with no populous impetus to support him, the proposal died… again!

Not to be outgunned, however, former U.S. Seabee Tony Percoco jumped into the fray several years thereafter with his own study and presentation. Undeterred by the historical losses, Mr. Percoco forged ahead and sought to shed some light, again, on a proposal so many approved but were too lazy to publicly support. Percoco's efforts to move the project forward suffered the same fate as previous efforts. It, too, died the death of many valid proposals which do not attract widespread and vigorous public support.

Most of those folks who spoke to me in recent weeks are hungry for change. More than a few are desperate and cannot afford to pay their taxes. They see no validity in a useless layer of government which, candidly, offers no benefit to them. Again, that ageless question looms: why do we need a government for about 4,000 residents?

The more significant factor is why the village residents won't get off their butts to do something about this nagging problem. Talking to me on the street won't git`er done! Telling me what a great idea it is is useless. I know it's a great idea. Now what?

I'm too old to resurrect the activist nature one needs to spearhead this proposal. Thusly, new, younger blood needs to step forward and assume the cloak of leadership. Let's not underestimate the complexity of dissolving the village government. What we don't want to happen is to lose any of our current employees in the transition.

Let's look at how the process should work: remembering over recent decades, no village board member has seen fit to propose dissolution in spite of the savings to village taxpayers! Why not? We must assume they have all cherished their moments in the limelight and don't wish to eliminate their positions in spite of the greater good. So much for "public service."

Working on the premise that Ellenville residents who have had enough "and don't want to take it anymore" can eventually get their act together and convince the village board to place the proposal to a referendum, and the vote is positive to dissolve, now comes the hard work. Since the Town of Wawarsing has no say in whether or not Ellenville can dissolve, it does however now become a partner, of sorts, in developing the future of the village's assets, employees, etc.

So, both boards now sit down and develop a plan as to what happens to everything and everyone. I indicated my ideas on this in my last dissertation, but an intelligent meeting of the minds on both boards is a prerequisite to a successful "merger."

It won't be easy and it won't be quick, but it's doable, practical, and a long-awaited benefit to so many beleaguered Ellenville residents. Without beating a dead horse, however, it won't happen if you don't make it happen!

Sincerely,
Bernie Wainer

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