GOSHEN – The Orange County Legislature has voted to authorize the county attorney to sue the state over its recent legislation that would change most county elections from odd- to even years.
The measure was pushed in Albany by Democratic lawmakers and the governor.
Democratic County Legislator Genesis Ramos opposes a lawsuit.
“Orange County is taking its cue from other Republican-led counties who plan to waste taxpayer resources in an attempt to block this voter engagement measure, which has overwhelming and bipartisan support among constituents, election officials and elected representatives alike,” she said.
But, Republican Kevin Hines took a different view.
“Keep in mind this is another mandate from Albany, the same people that brought us bail reform, increased crime, inflation leaving less money in our pockets, higher taxes, out of control spending, and it is against our charter,” he said. “New York is a home rule state, and we should set the elections for the county as we do now.”
Republicans in the Dutchess County Legislature authorized the county attorney to pursue a lawsuit earlier this week, seeking to block the state from making the change.
Proponents of the new law say it will save money and engage more voters in the election process.
