Eight years of countless opportunities for our County Executive, Ed Diana, to exercise his veto power and the first time he chooses to use it is on a bi-partisan proposed law establishing a watchdog agency?
Having seen first hand the inner workings of government practices on a local level in the Town of Newburgh, let alone Orange County, it seems a crying need exists for this type of agency in the protection of potential whistle-blowers, financial integrity of our government and in lending to the transparency of our elected leaders. With all the skepticism and disenchantment with government and the political system in the State of New York, and nationally, it would seem logical to implement a law that helps ensure the honesty and integrity of our County government. If a perceived problem exists with the wording, due diligence or crafting of this proposed law then I challenge Mr. Diana and the Orange County Legislature to draft a law they feel makes sense and provides the type of oversight that would ensure healthy government practices.
A watchdog agency of this type would certainly be a proactive approach in portraying our government in a positive light rather then a reactive one issuing vetoes to common sense law.
