Government

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

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

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.

Government

Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

Published

4 days ago

May 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.