Care Center at Sunset Lake closure

Blasted the legislature's October 1 vote to close the nursing home, saying the closing was planned for years, residents were transferred far away with two dying soon after, and the county does not value human services.

Argued Judge Bryant's ruling found the Care Center closure process was initiated in secret in violation of the Open Meetings Law, that the injunction remains in place, and that the September 25 resolution cannot retroactively cure the violation — the Legislature must deliberate openly.

Gave an emotional six-year retrospective of speaking for the Care Center while legislators ignored her questions on budgets and repairs, saying the county acted sloppily and callously toward residents, families, and staff — 'I think you should feel shame.'

Criticized legislators for not using microphones, then argued the county should reverse the Care Center closure, calling it the cheapest long-term care option and urging compassion over dollars.

A Senior Legislative Action Committee member urged legislators to admit the closure was a mistake and reverse it, invoking 'Am I my brother's keeper.'

A former legislator and former Health and Family Services chair demanded the vote be rescinded, questioning the closed-door process and asking where the 90 vulnerable residents will go.

Compared budget figures, arguing Sheriff and DPW expenses exceed revenues far more than the Care Center's, and suggested the closure reflects indifference toward people who need the facility.

With her sister, described the facility as a haven and last true home for seniors, warning that forced relocation is traumatic and accelerates health decline.

Family Council president alleged the county lied about the closure timeline, described a rushed guardianship-resident transfer, and demanded follow-up on his wife's unanswered email to the acting DSS commissioner.

Said his wife and son work at the Care Center and asked what a reported Ulster County court order blocking the closure means for workers and taxpayers.

Cited administrative costs jumping from $1.2 million to $3.37 million and missing audit management letters, asking the closure be reversed until the public gets answers.

A Senior Legislative Action Committee member from Liberty who accused legislators of lacking humanitarian concern for care center residents and urged reversal of the closure.

Family Council president who called the treatment of transferring residents — belongings packed in garbage bags, alleged coercion and deception — unconscionable.

Read a letter from a transferred former resident describing broken promises at her new facility, criticized the 'fire sale' pace of transfers, and asked about a job fair for displaced staff and pursuing millions the former operator owes the county.

Called the closure rollout heartbreakingly poor, questioned the legitimacy of the March 26 vote, and criticized transfers of frail residents far from family.

Blamed closure opponents who protested the CON process in New York City for the facility's failure and defended the cost of doing business in the county; traded heated remarks with legislators.