By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — February 8, 2002 – The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department PBA has announced that contract negotiations with the county over deputies’ hours and salary have reached an impasse, and PBA officials have scheduled a press conference on the matter for tomorrow.
Sheriff’s deputies have been working without a contract for nearly a year and a half, and according to a memo signed by PBA President Ed Claus, PBA members are being urged to participate in their off-duty hours and without personal attacks by passing out flyers, attaching signs to truckbeds, meeting with county legislators and organizing an informational picket at a yet-to-be-determined time at the county government center in Monticello.
“This is a time when we need to come together as one. We need to be focused and professional in order to obtain what we deserve,” said Claus in the memo. “We need to stand united as a group and not alone as individuals. Everyone needs to be involved – we cannot accomplish our goals if only a few pitch in.”
When contacted, Claus – upon the advice of the PBA’s attorney – declined to discuss anything other than confirming the date and time of the press conference.