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

Published

3 years ago

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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.

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Government

Rockland County Shares Back-to-School Safety Tips for Drivers, Students

Published

4 weeks ago

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August 27, 2026

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With the new school year just around the corner, Rockland County roads will soon become busier with children walking and biking to school, crossing streets and gathering at bus stops during the morning and afternoon commute.

The county is reminding parents, caregivers, students and drivers to take extra precautions to help keep children safe as they return to school.

Younger children can be especially difficult for motorists to see, while some students may be using a new bus stop, crossing unfamiliar streets or walking to school on their own for the first time.

Through its federally funded Safe Streets program, Rockland County is sharing several back-to-school safety reminders for students and motorists.

Safety Tips For Students

Students waiting for the bus are encouraged to:

  • Arrive at the bus stop early and avoid rushing.
  • Stay at least 10 feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
  • Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
  • Never walk behind a school bus.

Safety Tips For Drivers

Motorists are reminded to slow down and remain alert when driving near schools, bus stops and areas where children may be walking or biking.

Drivers should also obey flashing school bus lights and stop as required when children are entering or exiting a school bus.

With more students expected on local roads once classes resume, the county is urging everyone to stay attentive and give children the extra time and space they need to travel safely.

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Government

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

Published

1 month 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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