A bitter dispute between former Governor David Paterson and Greene County over whether or not the county had the authority to appoint an interim treasurer -- which had resulted in the withholding of millions of dollars in state funds to the county -- is now over. With democratically-elected Peter Markou now serving in the county treasurer's office, and Andrew Cuomo now holding the reins in Albany, it appears no one has the stomach for the battle any longer.
Which is a good thing, because it means the county can pay for things like food stamps, Medicaid, and heating assistance. The Daily Mail reports:
Just hours before his first State of the State Address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed the release of $2.5 million in social services funds being withheld since last fall...
...Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh said he was “relieved” and “encouraged” by the decision.
“I’m surprised the governor’s office responded this quickly,” he said, noting it may be a sign of something better. “We may have a very good working relationship (with the new governor).”
But the county hasn't put away all its "Don't Tread On Me" flags just yet. From the Daily Freeman:
[Greene County attorney Carol Stevens] said the dispute is over because the governor’s office has agreed to release the funding. But, she added, Greene County maintains its home-rule rights to appoint its own treasurer in the event of a retirement.
