I am honored to represent the 19th legislative district in the Orange County Legislature. This legislature is made up of 14 Republicas, 2 Independence Party members and 5 Democrats. As the minority leader of the Democratic Caucus, we have focused on making government more transparent, more environmentally friendly and less financially expensive for the taxpayers of Orange County.

It is important to note that the Republican caucus holds a supermajority with 14 members. This means they have total control on what gets voted on, passed, or approved.

During our annual budget review for 2020, I made many proposals to lower taxes by over one million dollars, with support from the Democratic caucus. I worked with our county’s budget director and auditor’s to provide yearly budget trends that show how we could work with our department heads to let them decide where cuts could be made contractually, to reduce costs, while not affecting services.

In the 2020 budget, there are over 200 funded but unfulfilled positions that total $15 million in excess taxation on our taxpayers. We need and can do a better job while keeping this county’s bond ratings intact and my Republican colleagues know it.

At our January reorganization meeting, we elect our chairman and announce caucus leaders, as setting the calendar for Legislature sessions in 2020. This year, the majority caucus members decided that there would be no evening meetings in 2020 by a 14 to 7 vote. These night meetings give our constituents the opportunity to voice their suggestions and opinions on our legislative agendas. I will add that there have been an average of at least two night meetings held over the last seven years. In 2005, there were eight night meetings. Night meetings allow working citizens to attend our legislative sessions.For 2020, there will be NONE.

As the Democratic minority leader I stand for transparancy and open government. If you agree, contact your county legislator and let them know how you feel. You can contact them at orangecountygov.com.