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Meet Judge David M. Ascher, Candidate for Rockland County Court

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Judge David Ascher seeks election to the Rockland County Court, a court that hears felony criminal matters. He currently serves as a Clarkstown Town Justice, as well as running a busy law practice in New City, NY since 2005. Judge Ascher has presided over a variety of criminal and civil cases filed in Clarkstown since becoming a Town Justice in 2015. He also previously worked as a Village Prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney, both in Rockland County.

TOWN JUSTICE – TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN, NY (January 2015 –Present)

Oversee case load of approximately 300 cases monthly
Conducts Hearings and Trials for Criminal, Civil, Landlord/Tenant and Vehicle & Traffic Matters
Manage financial aspects of Court, collect fine monies, authorizes deposits, approval of monthly financial statements

DAVID M. ASCHER – ATTORNEY AT LAW, Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.

Founder/Principal, January 2005 – Present

Created and manages legal office, including client management, finances and organizational growth
Conducts litigation including, depositions, trials and appellate arguments in State and Federal Courts
Assisted in the Creation and Filing of Condominium Plans
Manages client interests and communication for diverse clientele including Commercial, Land-Use, Corporate, Development and Criminal Clients
Represents lenders and provides financial counsel to private and commercial lenders
Drafts, negotiates and closes hundreds of real estate transactions from contract through closing
Conducts legal research, including identification of legal issues, research of statutes, and case law
Conducts persuasive presentations before Town/Village Planning and Zoning Boards
Represents Condominium Boards and Management Companies

VILLAGE PROSECUTOR – South Nyack, Chestnut Ridge, Spring Valley & Airmont N.Y. (2009-2014)

Prosecuted NYS Trooper issued Vehicle and Traffic Violations
Prosecuted and resolved Village Code Enforcement Matters
Negotiated and interacted with both individuals and attorneys for resolutions
Managed a monthly and bi-monthly Court calendar of nearly 40 cases per scheduled appearance

DORFMAN, LYNCH, KNOEBEL & CONWAY, LLP. Nyack, N.Y.

Litigation Associate, December 2003 – December 2004

Handled all aspects of law, including Complaints, Notice of Claims, Article 78 Petitions, Discovery, Motions and Appeals
Represented interests of Builder/Developer clients in all aspects of development of property from contract through Municipal Approval to Residential and/or Commercial Closing
Conducted Depositions and Jury Trials focused on Civil Rights, Land Use, Zoning, Real Estate and Property Law
Conducted presentations before Planning, Town/Village and Zoning Boards throughout Region

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, New City, N.Y.

Assistant District Attorney, August 2002 – December, 2003

Prosecuted all aspects of crimes in Rockland County, New York
Drafted criminal complaints, search warrants, wire-tap applications, and legal motions
Earned the earliest jury trial conviction for a new assistant in the 2001/2002 class
Managed case-load of 400 active cases throughout the county

Conducted numerous bench trials, jury trials and Grand Jury presentations
Oversaw and Managed Interns and Hiring Process

NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL – ORGANIZED CRIME TASK FORCE, White Plains, N.Y.

Legal Intern, June, 2000 – December, 2000

Prepared petitions and orders on Civil Forfeiture cases to New York State Supreme Courts
Drafted and edited attorney and law enforcement affidavits
Conducted legal research regarding criminal issues including Wiretap and Pen Register Law
Analyzed wiretapped phone conversations
Assisted New York State Police in undercover criminal investigations

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

PACE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, White Plains, N.Y.

Juris Doctorate: May, 2002
Pace Law National Moot Court Team Member
Dean’s List
Criminal Justice Society (Founding Member and Officer)

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, Kingston, R.I.

Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science: December, 1998
Minor(s) Spanish Language Studies and Human Development & Family Studies
Dean’s List

COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Rockland County Magistrates Association
NYS Magistrates Association
Clarkstown Soccer Club Coach
Clarkstown Girls Softball League Coach
Make-a-Wish, Hudson Valley
Rockland County Bar Association – Co-Chair Real Estate Committee; Mock Trial Committee
Host of RCBA Mock Trial Competition
Leadership Rockland Speaker on NYS Court System
Teen Leadership Rockland Mock Trial Host
New City Rotary Member

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Politics

Meet Kathleenann Cool, Candidate for West Haverstraw Village Trustee

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WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY – Meet Kathleenann Cool, a lifelong Rockland County resident and proud member of the West Haverstraw community for the past 26 years, has officially announced her candidacy for Village Trustee. With a deep commitment to family, community, and good governance, she pledges to bring bipartisan representation and a fresh perspective to the village board.

“My candidacy is about representing all residents. West Haverstraw deserves leadership that ensures every voice is heard. Together, we can preserve the strong sense of community that makes our village special while ensuring responsible growth and development.”

Kathleenann’s campaign is centered on five key priorities:

Inclusive Representation: Promoting bipartisan collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives for fair and balanced decision-making.
Community Preservation: Protecting the character of West Haverstraw by preventing overdevelopment and illegal housing while encouraging thoughtful, responsible growth.
Infrastructure and Safety: Addressing traffic concerns through advocacy for improved infrastructure and practical traffic solutions.
Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring sound financial planning for the future.
Transparency and Communication: Promoting open, honest dialogue between village government and the residents it serves.

With 33 years of experience as an educational administrator and teacher, Kathleenann brings proven leadership, organizational skills, and financial expertise to the table. Her academic background includes a Certificate in Human Resources from the Center for Educational Leadership, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz, an M.A. in English from Iona College, and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism with a Business minor from SUNY Plattsburgh.

An active and longtime community leader, Kathleenann has served on the Haverstraw Republican Committee and held treasurer and board positions in various school, sports, and performing arts organizations. She has coached youth sports and volunteered in her church as a catechist, CYO council member, organist, and Parish Council member.

Together with her husband James, Kathleenann raised their two children in West Haverstraw – a village she loves and is eager to serve. Her campaign reflects her lifelong dedication to community values, responsible governance, and transparent leadership.

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Politics

Hundreds Gather for Rockland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Victory Ball Featuring Kevin McCarthy, Honor American Hero Sgt. Eddie Ryan

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Republican Committee hosted its annual Lincoln Day Victory Ball at the Pearl River Hilton that drew over 400 attendees from Rockland County and across the region. This year’s was the biggest celebration the party has had in many years and is under new leadership of Chairman Mike Lawler and Vice Chair Lauren Marie Wohl.

Held in a festive and energized atmosphere, the evening featured high-profile keynote speakers and honored American heroes, underscoring the party’s enduring commitment to leadership, service, and community growth.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, who delivered a powerful keynote address focused on the future of conservative leadership and the importance of staying united in times of challenge and opportunity. Kellyanne Conway, former senior advisor to President Donald Trump, also took the stage as a special guest speaker, captivating the audience with her political insight and calls to action.

Both speakers were met with standing ovations, energizing the crowd and reinforcing the evening’s themes of resilience, accountability, and progress.

The Rockland County Republican Committee was deeply honored to recognize U.S. Marine Sergeant Eddie Ryan for his heroic service and unwavering dedication to the nation. A symbol of courage and sacrifice, Sgt. Ryan’s story moved attendees and served as a powerful reminder of the values the Republican Party continues to champion—duty, honor, and country.

Prominent Republican leaders, including Congressman Mike Lawler, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, New York State Senator Bill Weber, and Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann were all in attendance. Speakers delivered impactful speeches that celebrated the party’s achievements and future goals. Their messages focused on community empowerment, economic growth, and strong local governance, rallying attendees around a renewed commitment to public service.

“Our party is stronger and more resilient than ever,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “Events like this remind us that we are poised to drive meaningful progress and build a brighter future for Rockland County.”

The event also brought together a wide range of local dignitaries, party chairs, elected officials, and community leaders, reflecting the broad coalition that supports Republican values in Rockland County. A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Lincoln Ball Committee and all event sponsors, whose dedication and support made the evening a resounding success.

As Rockland County prepares for upcoming elections and continued civic engagement, the Lincoln Day Victory Ball served as a rallying point for the Rockland County Republican Party.

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