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Congressman Lawler Blasts Governor Hochul Over “Partisan Gerrymandering” and Calls It a Betrayal of NY Voters

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1 year ago

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PEARL RIVER, NY — Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) is calling out Governor Kathy Hochul for what he describes as a blatant attempt to subvert the will of New York voters and undermine democratic principles through partisan gerrymandering and repeated violations of the state constitution.

In a sharply worded statement issued Tuesday, Lawler condemned Governor Hochul’s recent public support for ignoring New York’s constitutional ban on mid-decade redistricting and the role of the Independent Redistricting Commission, an entity voters overwhelmingly supported to ensure fair and nonpartisan district maps.

“Every voter in New York should be outraged by Kathy Hochul’s brazen disregard for the state constitution,” said Lawler. “Her full-throated endorsement of partisan gerrymandering is only about advancing her and her party’s political providence through the abuse of her office.”

Lawler pointed to a series of Democratic-led actions that he believes erode voter confidence and democratic integrity:

– Gerrymandering congressional districts in 2021 and 2024

– Circumventing the constitutional ban on no-excuse absentee voting

– Changing the timing of municipal elections for partisan advantage

– Altering state law to restrict election law challenges to Democrat-controlled courts

– Redrawing Judicial Court boundaries to favor more Democratic seats

Lawler emphasized his consistent opposition to partisan gerrymandering regardless of party, citing his criticism of similar actions in Texas. However, he argues that New York voters have clearly rejected these tactics by supporting independent redistricting reforms at the ballot box.

“Anyone who uses the Governor’s Mansion to foment political divides, rather than bridge them, is betraying the public trust,” Lawler added. “This is about protecting the democratic process—not political power plays.”

Lawler’s remarks signal growing tension between Republicans and Democrats in New York as redistricting battles intensify ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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4 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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5 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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