Democrats say Neuhaus did not give them credit for advances in Orange County

GOSHEN – The Democratic caucus of the Orange County Legislature
criticized Republican County Executive Steven Neuhaus on Thursday for,
they say, omitting their contributions in his state of the county message
earlier this week.
Democratic Minority Leader Matthew Turnbull said Neuhaus’ message had “glaring omissions” to recent history.
“He sadly doesn’t give Democrats any credit for the strong state, to use his words, of the county,” Turnbull said.
Neuhaus talked about keeping the Valley View nursing home open and reducing operating costs, but the Democrats noted it was their caucus that fought the closure and took the issue to court.
The Democrats also said while Neuhaus may run on the Heritage Trail every day and committed the funds to extend it north from Goshen to Middletown, it was Democratic Legislator Jeffrey Berkman and Democratic Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano who proposed the extension. The mayor, though, said Thursday that, “A lot of people have been involved with the Heritage Trail over the years, but County Executive Neuhaus deserves credit for bringing it home.”
Turnbull also said it was his caucus that “identified an improving national economy as providing a solution to a balanced budget and increasing employment.” But, he said Neuhaus “is shamelessly taking credit for what is a regional and national economic trend.”
Legislature Republican Majority Leader Melissa Bonacic had a different viewpoint. “It is sad that the county’s highest ranking Democrat wants to be so divisive.”
Neuhaus said it is “unfortunate” that Turnbull “has gone negative” regarding the state of the county.
The county executive said Turnbull was “silent on every major issue” including three of his main proposals – fixing Camp LaGuardia, working with Middletown’s Democratic mayor, and developing a more comprehensive health code.
Other comments came from New Windsor Town Supervisor George Green, a Republican, who said Neuhaus “inherited several problems when he took office and has done a fantastic job rectifying them.
Hamptonburgh Town Supervisor Robert Jankowski, also a Republican, said the county executive has “some great ideas” including developing Camp LaGuardia, marketing land adjacent to Valley View for health-related facilities, and saving taxpayers money.