Meanwhile, Era of Good Feelings Arises at County Seat

Cooperation, camaraderie, and collaboration have replaced anger, antagonism, and annoyance between the executive and legislative branches of county government.

Since January 1 daily communication between County Executive Robert Bondi and Legislature Chairman Vincent Tamagna is common. The two men have met on numerous occasions during the first quarter of 2010 to exchange ideas. Tamagna corresponds with Bondi weekly by forwarding him a memo outlining legislative business being conducted.

Last week the Courier sat down with both leaders and inquired as to the dramatic change.

Bondi explained that today’s economy has given every elected official a “serious demeanor as we all try to deal with cutbacks at the state level, enormous controversy at the federal level, and increasing unemployment rates for local residents, making it more and more difficult to balance municipal budgets.”

Bondi said these crises have brought all elected officials closer together, “causing us to operate under a different set of ground rules, where the ‘team’ is thought about and less about ‘self.’ Personal feelings of antagonism and distrust don’t address the needs of our constituents during this critical point of economic history.”

Tamagna agreed, but also attributed the change to his communication skills: “True, Putnam County, New York State, and the USA are all facing very difficult economic times, but without communication, matters only get worse.”

Tamagna said his style of open communication has allowed the public to trust its government: “Nothing is secretive. If we have a problem, the public is immediately made aware. Such is the relationship with the executive branch. If something that Mr. Bondi does upsets us, we talk about it immediately in order to head off any future crises.”

Tamagna forecast a “good year” for Putnam County, despite the tough economy: “By studying efficiencies and cutting costs, we can re-invent county government,t thus making it more affordable for residents to live here.”

Tamagna is firm believer that county government is “here to stay. County representation is close to its constituency and is the most effective form of government since county lawmakers can leverage resources and bring people together on a regular basis while not being as distant as the federal and state governments. County government is always in touch, and with the new feeling of understanding between the branches of Putnam County government, the future is now. Things will only get better.”