I write to you again in order to remind returning members of the legislature, and inform newly sworn members of the legislature of the background regarding County Historian and the failure of County Executive William R. Steinhaus (WRS) to follow through on his spoken and written word. I have reviewed the 2006 County Executive State of the County Message. 

Although I find several references to the word "history", I find no reference in his State of the County Message to filling the position of County Historian in 2006. Our County Executive loves to tout the word history when he can work it to his advantage but when it comes to stepping up to the plate by supporting our history, he simply is NOT found. 

I invite you all to visit my website and study the background in regard to the Position of County Historian and how our County Executive has failed to be "a man of his word". 

http://www.oocities.org/ginnyflies/dutchesscountyhistorianupdates.html

I look forward to anything any representative of the Legislature can do to bring this matter to the forefront in order to insure that our County Charter and local laws are adhered to, and our County's history and it's historical records are preserved, memorialized, and are made publicly accessible to and for ourselves and future generations. Is it possible for the legislature to ask the County Executive for a status report in regard to filling this position ????? The position was advertised in June 2005. In his Nov. 1, 2005 Budget County Executive Budget Message for the proposed 2006 Budget, WRS said " However, working with the Personnel Department, we are in the final stages of the hiring process for the Historian position and we have asked a number of community residents to participate as an advisory work group to assist and guide the strategic planning for the office.  The proposed budget includes funding to move forward with this important initiative . "

Re:  Advisory Work Group

Who are the members of the advisory work group ????? How often have they met ????? When will a decision be made by our County Executive ??????

Re: Important Initiative

I would like to take this opportunity to "toot my own horn" which is something I rarely do. In his Nov. 1, 2004 regarding the 2005 Proposed Budget, WRS listed under "New Initiatives" the following:

New Initiatives:

- - - - County Historian to preserve and record our rich heritage and make it accessible to residents
- - - - Quiet Cove Riverfront Park and enhancements to all County owned parks
- - - - Lyme Disease International Conference to be held in County – Joint Initiative with Dutchess County Legislature in conjunction with the Institute for Ecosystems Studies