I read the recent op-ed regarding the Public Defender’s salary thoughtfully. While I understand I was not mentioned directly, I do resent that the issue was framed as partisan, and I recognize that some may view my vote as not being a “good” Democrat—a common perception that contributed to my decision to register as an independent in early 2025. Speaking for myself, partisanship played no role in my vote, and it is disappointing to see a data-driven, fiscally responsible decision portrayed as a betrayal of party principles. That said, I appreciate the conversation it has sparked and the opportunity to share how I approach salary decisions at both the town and county levels.
I serve on the Social Services and Mental Health Committee and hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology with a focus on underserved populations. My background has centered on understanding the challenges faced by people who lack resources, stability, and access to care. It is precisely because of that background that I take county finance and how they affect our most vulnerable residents, so seriously. Suggesting that my vote reflected disregard for the importance of the public defender’s role does not reflect my experience or intent.
My decision was grounded in comparable salary data, county size, and the economic realities of Delaware County, among others. The public defenders in Westchester and Rockland counties, whose populations are roughly 22 times and seven times larger than Delaware County’s, respectively—each earned approximately $210,000 in 2025. Delaware County, with about 45,000 residents, is consistently described as one of the poorest counties in New York state. That distinction matters when compensation is funded by local taxpayers.
In addition to base salary, I also considered compensation received through the Public Defender’s CAP Court participation, which is separate from salary and, to my understanding, provides approximately $2,000 per week for being on call, regardless of whether services are ultimately required. That additional compensation is relevant when evaluating total earnings and fairness across positions.
I want to be clear: the job of public defender is extraordinarily difficult and, in many respects, as demanding, if not more so, than that of the district attorney. However, the district attorney is an elected official and directly accountable to voters, a distinction that matters in public service compensation structures. It is also important to note that the public defender’s salary was approximately $106,000 in 2020; a proposed salary of $203,000 in 2026 represents a 95% increase in just six years—an extraordinary rate of growth, particularly in a county with limited resources.
This was also not the only position where I have questioned a proposed raise. In every case, I rely on data from the New York State Association of Counties, and information reflected in meeting minutes. My approach is consistent: weigh responsibilities, compare across similar counties, and consider the broader economic realities faced by the people we serve.
Those realities are sobering. The average income in Delaware County is approximately $60,000, and 49% of our residents fall into the ALICE category — Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. These are working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs yet still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare. Many live one unexpected expense away from crisis. When we approve large salary increases, we must ask how those decisions resonate with residents who are working full time and still cannot make ends meet.
Reducing a complex fiscal decision to party labels does a disservice to the public and to the governing process. These discussions should be rooted in data, context, transparency, and community impact—not assumptions about political motives.
I firmly believe that if the board of supervisors encouraged open, transparent conversation, we could have more productive and respectful discussions about difficult topics like salaries. Through transparency, honest dialogue, shared data, and mutual respect, we could learn from one another and arrive at decisions that better reflect both our values and our responsibility to the people of Delaware County.
I welcome conversation from anyone who would like to discuss this issue or any others and can be reached at delhisupervisor@co.delaware.ny.us
Maya Boukai
Delhi Supervisor
