Broome Legislative Leaders Blast Preston Proposals

Leaders of the Broome County legislature are slamming a series of resolutions proposed by outgoing County Executive Debra Preston.

Broome County legislature chairman Daniel Reynolds and majority leader Stephen Flagg during a November 18 radio interview. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Legislature chairman Daniel J. Reynolds and majority leader Stephen Flagg are calling on fellow Republican Preston to withdraw several measures they described as "dubious."

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Reynolds said he is "appalled" by Preston's actions.

Broome County Executive Debra Preston answering questions from reporters on October 11, 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

One proposal calls for extending health insurance coverage of Preston and other political appointees who leave county employment before April 1.

Reynolds asked why taxpayers should "get stuck with an additional bill" because Preston lost her bid for another term. The insurance extension would cost taxpayers about $66,000.

Another resolution would give pay raises to seven county administrators.

Preston said she is shocked by the comments of the legislative leaders. She said their action was prompted by her veto of changes lawmakers made to her budget proposal.

The county executive told WNBF News "this is a political ploy." She said the leaders "should be ashamed of themselves."

Preston will leave office at the end of December after being defeated by Democrat Jason Garnar in the November 8 election.

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