By Edward A. Diana
Orange County Executive
This has been an interesting and busy week in our County and State with all of us eagerly watching the events unfolding in the New York State Senate. I believe all New Yorkers share our concern over the paralysis that has gripped state government.
I have called upon the Governor to continue the Special Session and have joined with others from across the state who believe that if a political compromise cannot be found, then the leadership issue should be submitted to an independent arbiter whose decision will be final and legally binding.
In other news, I am happy to report that I was able to attend the most recent graduating class of Licensed Practical Nurses from Orange/Ulster BOCES and the first joint graduation exercise for Emergency Medical Technicians conducted at our Emergency Services Center.
The members of both of these graduating classes have made a serious commitment to the health and safety of the people of Orange County and we are truly appreciative of their sacrifices and willingness to serve the people of our County.
Ted Sly, our County Historian, has once again shared some fun facts about Orange County, which I thought you’d enjoy.
Upon the ratification of the United States’ Constitution, there was a salute of eleven guns and eleven toasts were drunk in Newburgh. The state’s first anchor was produced in Orange County in 1753, and Elisha Churchill from Florida, New York, was the first soldier to receive the Purple Heart. At the height of the glacial age, the ice over the Black Dirt region in Orange County was estimated to be 3 miles high.
Until next week, let me wish you health and happiness…
