Otsego (County, N.Y.) won't cover gay unions (unilateral decision)

[Newsjock]

Source: Oneonta Daily Star

COOPERSTOWN -- Otsego County Treasurer Myrna Thayne has amended the county's health care plan to specifically exclude same-sex couples, regardless of their legal status.

Thayne, who serves as administrator to the county's self-insured plan, delivered this news to many county employees in their paycheck envelopes about two weeks ago, according to Jennie Gliha, the county's personnel officer.

... County Board Chairman James Powers, R-Butternuts, criticized the change.

``I think it was done wrong and it is wrong, period,'' Powers said. ``Gay people get sick, too, and when they do, they need medical attention.''

... Rep. Greg Relic, R-Unadilla, who chairs the Administration Committee, said he was surprised by Thayne's decision.

``This didn't come from our committee; we haven't even discussed it,'' he said Tuesday. ``I didn't find out until it was e-mailed, and when I read it, I said, `Holy mackerel!'''

Read more: http://www.thedailystar.com/local/local_story_226040020.html

[CatholicEdHead]

1. Cold heartless action that went under the radar of local checks and balances

[mdmc]

2. nothing a lawsuit won't change

the county will get to pay plenty

[galledgoblin]

7. yup

state trumps county, even with home rule.

[blackspade]

3. Douchebag alert!

sounds like a certain Otsego County Treasurer needs to find another job.

[CatholicEdHead]

5. She apprently avoided a public tax meeting last year

http://old.thedailystar.com/news/stories/2007/06/01/tgthayne5.html

So she already is not on the best terms with the rest of the county officials.

[baldguy]

4. Lawsuit waiting to happen.

And Otsego Co. ain't rich by any measure. Ms Thayne should be fired for opening them up to litigation.

[Muttocracy]

6. Hmm, NY has certain procedures local govmt has to follow

on many issues. I don't know about this one, but I have a feeling this won't stand.