ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Meet Helaine Nemeth, candidate for Village of West Haverstraw Trustee.

From Helaine:

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Trustee in the Village of West Haverstraw. I am deeply invested in our village and firmly believe that it is time for positive change. Having experienced numerous challenges within our community, I have attended various Village Board and Zoning Board meetings, where I have witnessed our voices being disregarded and deceptive practices being employed. This lack of accountability is unacceptable. Our village possesses tremendous potential, and we deserve more effective leadership. Unfortunately, we lack valuable resources within our community. Every year, our taxes continue to rise, yet we have little to show for it. This places an undue burden on many residents, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and hardworking families who often struggle to make ends meet. I firmly believe that the appearance of our village is a reflection of our homes, which are our most significant investments. When our village lacks a presentable appearance, it detracts from the beauty of our homes, making them less inviting and potentially decreasing their value. The proliferation of single-family homes being converted into 3-4 family apartments has led to increased parking on our streets, heightened maintenance demands on our roads and sidewalks, and a strain on our village’s resources.

Furthermore, our village is undergoing rapid industrialization, which, while potentially beneficial in terms of job creation, also leads to increased traffic, noise pollution, and damage to our roads. A proposed 454,000 square foot warehouse on Beach Road, adjacent to Peck’s Pond, is a pressing concern. This site was formerly a landfill used for construction debris and is considered contaminated, having been left unsealed and uncapped for over 30 years. I am perplexed that our village leaders have not ensured its proper closure, despite the potential health risks it poses to residents. As your trustee, I pledge to work tirelessly on your behalf, prioritizing your needs and concerns above all else. With over 40 years of experience in customer service, I have developed a unique ability to understand and address the diverse needs of our community. My approach is centered on respect, empathy, and a commitment to finding solutions that benefit everyone. Having witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by many families in Rockland County, I felt compelled to take action. I created a Facebook group, which has grown to several thousand members and has enabled us to provide assistance to thousands of individuals in need. This initiative has not only provided essential support but has also fostered a sense of community and kindness. As a testament to our collective efforts, we organized the Jared Lloyd Christmas event in 2023, distributing over 300 gifts to children in need. Additionally, our group helped 65 families enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.

As a resident of the Village of West Haverstraw, I am committed to fighting for the rights and interests of our community. My husband, Michael, has lived in the village for most of his life, and we chose to call West Haverstraw our home due to its diversity and welcoming atmosphere. However, our experience has not been without challenges. We have faced issues with noxious odors emanating from a portable toilet company, which affected not only our quality of life but also that of our neighbors. Despite our efforts to address this issue through official channels, it was only through persistent advocacy and media attention that the problem was finally resolved.

As your trustee, I am prepared to work diligently on behalf of our community, advocating for the changes we need and deserve. I am committed to being a voice for those who feel overlooked and ignored, and I am willing to take a stand to protect the interests of our village.