| Dutchess County Legislature Resolution #206027 passed Feb. 14, 2006 at the Regular Dutchess County Legislature Meeting. This resolution confirmed the County Executive's selection of Stanley H. Mersand as County Historian effective February 21, 2006. ----------------------------- Prior to the confirmation vote and during the open part of the meeting the following were Ginny's comments. I hope our New County Historian and the Legislature were listening. ----------------------------- Regarding Resolution #206027 - County Historian I can hardly believe this day is finally here. Over three years ago I said I wouldn't stop coming back to speak about County Historian until we had one. I believe this may be that day! Last Thursday (February 9, 2006) when this resolution was before the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee Mr. Mersand was asked about the hours he would spend in the position - his reply was along the lines of - I'm willing to put in the hours needed to get the job done - I applaud him for his willingness to take on a full time job for a part-time salary and face the difficult job of taking on a position that has been vacant for 15 years. I only have one request for our County Historian when he is confirmed. I would implore (even beg) him and this legislative body to consider addressing the cataloguing and preservation of our earliest historical records as a first priority. This is an area which is in crisis in this county and has been for some time. As a historical researcher myself, I know that one cannot write or speak on our County's history without first having researched the facts utilizing our county's original Public documents of record to substantiate the written or spoken word; I know that one of the main duties of a County Historian is to promote the establishment and improvement of programs for the management and preservation of local government records with enduring value for historical or other research. I ask, PLEASE, Mr. Mersand consider making this one your first priorities when you take office. It is also my hope that Mr. Mersand will insure to the best of his ability that the County Records Management Law (Dutchess County Local Law #3 of 1986) is complied with, an archivist is consulted (preferably retained), the Records Management Advisory Board is activated, and Dutchess County's current and historical records are managed and preserved in strict accordance with local, state and federal laws and guidelines and the public is serviced. We are finally off to a good start. The road which lies ahead will be difficult one . One, however, I anticipate will never end but be a continuum of efforts and this County will soon have a Dept. of History and archives equal to that of our neighboring counties. Your vote today in confirming Mr. Mersand will serve to preserve and honor the historical contributions made by those citizens of Dutchess County (Aristocrats, Manor Proprietors, Presidents and Plain Folk alike) to the freedoms and liberties all Americans enjoy today. ---------------------------- Onward! |