Connect with us

Government

“Local Elections Stolen From The People” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

3 years ago

on

The year 2023 ended with two politicians completely failing their constituents miserably by stealing local elections away from the people.  Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator James Skoufis pushed through a new law forcing local elections to occur only in even years, which will result in local races being overshadowed by State and Federal elections. 

It is incredibly insulting that Governor Hochul and Senator Skoufis made such a drastic decision, impacting local elections statewide, without any formal input from those they’re elected to serve and who this change will impact. 

This now means anyone the people elect in odd years after January 1, 2025, will magically have that term reduced a year for this new law to take effect, as elections need to shift to even years, in essence illegally taking away the will of the people. This is bare-faced partisanship and Gov. Hochul and Senator James Skoufis should be ashamed of themselves for pushing this bill through and not allowing voters to weigh in on such a major and abrupt change to their elections.

To add insult to injury, they brag the move will save money which is the biggest lie as this will not save a penny because regardless elections must run every year. The irony is the State of New York has been spending up to $50 a vote for early voting. Do you think that is the best use of taxpayer money? We certainly don’t.  

Senator Skoufis, most famously known for allegedly hiding in a bathroom during a critical vote in the senate, is telling Rockland County residents how to run their elections just because he can. We the people decide to have local elections and it should not be up to Albany to change it and if they are then I think the Governor of New York or Senator James Skoufis should lose a year of their term as well. 

The Rockland County Charter delineates elections and when they should occur. This law is an attempt to override that charter and local control in a home rule state and the oath I took is to that charter and the people of Rockland County not Governor Hochul. And we must ask ourselves why? Why make this sudden and drastic change? 

Local governments are the most responsive and responsible to the everyday person and play a vital governance role for drinking water, social services, sewage, zoning, schools, roads, parks, police, courts, jails, trash disposal — and more. 

The local elections were setup by the people of Rockland via the charter that this now overrides. The County believes this law pits local elections against the highly charged State and Federal elections which will drown the public discourse on local elections out of existence. 

So as we embark on 2024, let us all remember the two politicians who kicked off the new year by stealing local elections from the people.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 4, 2026

By

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

Continue Reading

Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 28, 2026

By

A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Continue Reading

Trending