While this isn’t a Stephen Colbert item it is my first draft to an op ed I’m considering sending to the local county newspaper. Since no one reads my stuff it’s a safe place to explore what I will potential forward to the Sullivan County Democrat. And if I mysteriously disappear my daughter knows the name of the contractors. Here it goes..

Welcome to Sullivan County!

Returned to NYS in search of a new life after 10 years of florida maltreatment. Oh the stories which could be told, but for another time. They sure don’t like “Yankees,” down there. So, if you seek the South find a community filled with Yankees for protection.

I digress..

In 2024 I bought a cabin in Smallwood. I knew they’d be work required, but grossly underestimated the amount. Was willing to dish out 50 grand above the 115 price but by now have tripled that figure and as a senior had to return to work full time to restore retirement coffers. I am fortunate to have found Harris Hospital, a good workplace with much overtime for nursing on off shifts.

Moving here has been a disheartening experience when dealing with local contractors. They are quite a bunch, if they return your call, or even show. And while not all, those that are bad, are VERY bad.

My first big flop was from a contractor who had multiple hats. He did marinas, shops, and who knows what else. He was a constant no show, and took 4 months to complete tree removal work. As thunder storms persisted during this period I lay in bed terrified wondering if the decaying trees surrounding the cabin were destined to fall on the cabin roof, and do me in.

With the job going along well decided to winterize the cabin and stay. The next move was a well as Smallwood has seasonal water. After much reassurance I could have a well was unable to locate an engineer to sign off on the permit. Contacted multiple folks over several months for ideas and assistance to no avail. Wrote the governor’s office and was placated when my email was forwarded. Then got a particularly disturbing response from a DOH official named Illing who told me I should have never bought the place in the first place. Welcome back to NYS Mr. Illing, think it’s time for you to retire.

In my search found it was possible to get underground water tanks, but was also told to convert my cesspool first to a septic. Once again called endless folks to do the job and rare to get a call back. Found a local second generation family construction business located in Smallwood who I have paid over $40000. to do the well, and install tanks. Huge mistake. He rarely showed when stated, and it was obvious he did not know how to do the work though he said he did and had done the tanks before.

Found a PA. plumber to fix the septic drainage. However the other piece – the tanks and piping to them are frozen till the spring/early summer I am told. Though insulated they are not under the freezing line. So, I will not have water till late spring/early summer, if then. In my research the freezing point never came up, but think that’s what you have a contractor for?.

Recently, I returned to the Town Building inspector and heard that this Smallwood contractor never received any permits to do this construction. The contractor assured me he did, and stated he was in conversation with the building inspector throughout this endeavor. This was another lie, and I have been cited for lack of permit as well as the contractor. Lesson learned, get your own permits and they need to be posted.

I have contacted NYS mediation regarding money loss due to poor workmanship, however, this contractor has gone “underground,” and they closed the case. Five lawyers have been contacted, even those so called Christian/Catholic ones, and they want nothing to do with this. Small Claims Court allows $3000., while other states give $9000., and NYC is $5000., but unsure if collection on the claim will be possible.

So.. end to story I am obtaining water to flush the toilet and other amenities from the Smallwood Creek. While the firehouse has water, I do not wish to run into another former contractor who associates there.

Want to end this on a positive note. Here are some valuable resources I have found. Use them.

• Windows on Broadway
• Pia Electric
• Travis Helms, PA plumber
• Jones Plumbing
• Smalls Plumbing
• Kerry Bigness, realtor, and her husband Paul does painting
• Chris Green, Livingston Manor, contractor
• All County Insulation
• Decker’s Survey

Welcome to Sullivan County!