DA Mallery Gets Pay Raise

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors approved a pay raise for county District Attorney Susan Mallery as part of many actions at its Friday, May 17 meeting.

Mallery's bump was mandated by a new state law, according to information from the office of the county administrator. The hike ups Mallery's annual salary from $197,000 to $200,400, with the change retroactive from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024.

The county board approved two resolutions honoring local giants of agriculture who recently died, Cobleskill's John Howard Radliff on April 9 and Carlisle's Arthur Graulich on Feb. 28. Both men were lifelong farmers and public servants.

County Attorney Michael West's voice strained with emotion as he read the resolution for Graulich, who served on both the Carlisle and county boards for many years.

"He had a deep love for family and community and for agriculture," West said. "He was practical and a straight shooter. Those who knew him best don't ever recall him using the words 'can't do.' He was one of the most honorable men who ever served on the board of supervisors."

Radliff served on many agricultural boards, among other accomplishments, in a life spent working hard in the interest of farmers like himself.

"He was the kind of guy who during a private conversation was very pleasant, but in a meeting could show a whole other side if he didn't like the way things were going," Supervisor Earl VanWormer III said of Radliff. "I am so proud fo have known him. He was a quality guy. John, we're thinking about you down here."

Added fellow board member Harold Vroman: "He said it like it was and did it right. I'm going to miss him."

County Sheriff Ronald R. Stevens addressed the board briefly on the subject of cell phone towers.

"Sooner or later, each of your boards will be asked to put up a tower," he said. "If you put one up, always make sure the tower includes space for public service communications and make sure the space is reserved in perpetuity so that if the tower changes hands, the space will not be lost. Prime space on a tower is at the top, but we don't necessarily have to be at the stop. It would be good to be near the top."

A three-year agreement totaling more than $3,500 was approved for Johnson Controls to maintain certain systems at the county's pubic safety building. Also approved were eight motions under personnel adding or subtracting various positions.

A brief discussion was held on the problem of squatters and the difference between them and legitimate tenants who reside on properties throughout the county.