Politics

Bill Gould, longtime Rockland resident & GOP political advisor, passes away

Published

7 years ago

March 18, 2019

William “Bill” Gould of Suffern, passed away on Thursday, March 14th, 2019 surrounded by his loving wife Jean and their four children, Kenneth, Robert, Richard, and Carol.

During his high school years Bill met his wife, Jean, during a school break; the beginning of a loving relationship of over 65 years. In 1950, Bill continued his studies at Yale University, pursuing his love of theatre with his involvement in Yale Drama while excelling at his studies in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in 1954 and was inducted into the the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. After his graduation from Yale, Bill and Jean were married on June 17, 1954 and moved to Cambridge, MA where Bill continued his studies at the Harvard Business School.In 1962, he began working with his father at Magnetic Analysis Corporation (MAC) and became the President and CEO upon the untimely death of his father in 1964. He would eventually step down as President and CEO in 2007, but continued to be involved on a regular basis as Chairman of the Board of Directors until his death.

Bill and Jean have served as Ramapo Republican Committee members for more than 50 years. They have been campaign managers and advisors to dozens of candidates, including State Senator Eugene Levy, Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, Rockland District Attorney Michael Bongiorno, and many local races. Bill supported many candidates with his advice and guidance on local and county-wide issues. Besides politics, he was a member of the Ramapo Town Planning Board, and the Board of Governors of the Tuxedo Club, where he was Chairman for several years in the mid 1980’s.

“Bill’s dedication and contribution to the Rockland County Republican Committee will always be remembered.” said Rockland County Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Garvey.

“William “Bill” Gould will be sorely missed by the Ramapo Republican Committee. Bill was a tremendous asset and source of knowledge. His commitment to the Town of Ramapo and the Republican Party never wavered. The committee thanks Bill for all his service over the years.” said Marino Fontana, Chairman Ramapo Republican Committee
Ramap

The family will receive visitors at Wanamaker and Carlough funeral home, located in Airmont, New York on Thursday, March 28th from 4pm-8pm. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Tuxedo Park, New York on Saturday, March 30th, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Suffern Free Library .

Politics

Brett Yagel Announces Candidacy for New York State Assembly in 96th District

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2026

Rockland Report Editor

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Brett Yagel, the former Mayor of the Village of Pomona has officially announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in the 96th District.

Below you can read Yagel’s full announcement:

“I am proud to announce that I am seeking the support of the Republican and Conservative Parties as a candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 96th District.
I am not a career politician. I am a problem solver. As Mayor and as a professional working for one of the world’s largest defense contractors, I have spent my career focused on results, accountability, and getting complex jobs done the right way. Leadership and responsibility are not abstract concepts to me. They are values I have lived every day in public service and in the private sector.

Albany is broken. It is dominated by career politicians who create problems, expand government, and then ask for more power to fix the very messes they created. The people of the 96th District deserve better than politics as usual.

Our district needs a leader with real world experience, common sense, and the courage to challenge the status quo. I am ready to bring accountability, fiscal responsibility, and practical,
results driven solutions to Albany. Most importantly, I will be a strong and independent voice for the hardworking families of the 96th District.

If you are tired of excuses and ready for real results, I would be honored to earn your support.”

Yagel will running against incumbent Assemblyman Patrick Carroll.

Politics

Congressman Mike Lawler Announces Bid for Reelection to Congress, Will Not Run for Governor

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2025

Rockland Report Editor

Rockland County, NY — Congressman Mike Lawler, a lifelong Rockland County resident and graduate of Suffern High School, officially announced today that he will seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, putting to rest speculation that he might enter the race for Governor of New York.

Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, said his decision to remain focused on Congress reflects his commitment to continuing the work he’s started on behalf of Hudson Valley residents. Since taking office in January 2023, Lawler’s office has closed over 6,000 constituent service cases and successfully returned more than $27.2 million to residents throughout the district.

One of his signature achievements has been his leadership in reforming the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. Under Lawler’s advocacy, the SALT cap was quadrupled to $40,000, providing significant tax relief to middle-class families across the region for the next ten years.

Lawler’s decision not to run for governor preserves his role as a key Republican voice in a competitive swing district, and positions him for what is expected to be a closely watched race in 2026.
About Congressman Mike Lawler:

New York’s 17th Congressional District, includes Rockland and portions of Westchester and Putnam County.