KINGSTON – Ulster County
Executive Michael Hein, Wednesday, said he vetoed a term limit resolution
adopted by the county legislature because it is “inconsistent with
what is permitted under state law,” not because he feels one way
or the other about term limits.
The county legislature Tuesday night overrode the veto.
Hein said as county executive and an American, his oath “is sacred
to me and I must make certain that the actions of Ulster County Government
are consistent with New York State law.”
He said he vetoed the measure “after consulting with the county
attorney, who provided clearly binding case law as well as legal guidance
from the Office of the New York State Attorney General, that concludes
that the only legally appropriate way for the county legislature to adopt
term limits under New York State law was through a local law process and
not a referendum.”
He said “honest people of conscience can disagree on public policy
and the methods to achieve those goals; however, as county executive I
have a core responsibility to ensure that the actions that Ulster County
takes are legal. As a result, I must explore all available alternatives
to protect the residents” of the county.
