Berkman to head OTB committee

Orange County Legislature Chairman William Lahey whose Republican Party holds a majority of one, has done something out of the ordinary. He appointed a Democrat to head a committee.

Lahey named legislator Jeffrey Berkman to chair the Off-Track Betting Committee.

“I thought it was time to share some of the chairmanships and I think that’s a good one to start with and Jeff was interested,” said Lahey.

Berkman has been a member of the committee for years and he is encouraged with the opportunity to lead it forward.

Of the five men on the committee, Berkman is the only Democrat.