Sullivan County Appoints New Human Rights Commissioners

The Sullivan County Legislature has appointed several new members to the Human Rights Commission, emphasizing the body’s importance to the community. The appointments follow the recent naming of Ramone E. Wilson as the Commission’s first full-time executive director.

The new commission members are: Joel Santiago, Ari Mir-Pontier, Amanda Ward, Charles Wade, Margaret Gans, Bill Liblick, Ricardo Nieves, Miranda Behan, and Alex Portugal. Potosek recently appointed Ramone E. Wilson as the first full-time executive director of the Human Rights Commission.

Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz stressed the county’s commitment to the Commission, stating, “The Legislature is intent on having a Human Rights Commission that is relevant and responsive to our community. Our commitment is reflected by the fact that we aren’t required by law to have such a Commission, but we would prefer citizens, nonprofits and businesses have someone local to reach out to – so we’ve made the necessary investment.”

District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, whose father previously served on the Commission, expressed her enthusiasm for the role. “I am immensely pleased and honored to both serve on the Human Rights Commission and to have spearheaded its rejuvenation,” she said. “It is imperative that we offer a conscientious and caring hand to anyone in our community who feels they have been discriminated against, to listen to their concerns, and to address them promptly.”

Formed in 2005, the Human Rights Commission aims to promote mutual respect and understanding for the rights of all Sullivan County residents. The Commission encourages equal treatment and discourages discrimination based on factors such as race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, and criminal conviction. The Commission also works to inquire into incidents of tension and conflict among various racial, religious, and nationality groups, and to act and relieve such tensions.

While the Commission lacks investigatory powers, it can refer serious cases to the NYS Division of Human Rights. The Commission also focuses on consumer affairs, mediating and educating on customer/business issues.

Individuals interested in learning more about the Commission or seeking assistance can contact Executive Director Ramone Wilson at 845-807-0189 or Ramone.wilson@sullivanny.gov.