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Reactions to Rockland County Republican Party Controversial “Ramapo Invasion” Video

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NEW CITY, NY – Reactions are pouring in regarding a controversial video posted on the official Rockland County Republican Party Facebook page.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day

“The video posted by the Rockland County Republican Party to their Facebook page has set a troubling tone for a necessary conversation about overdevelopment in our county. While the content of the video is factual, the tone and undercurrent is unacceptable.

Having listened closely to the concerns raised by residents and community leaders, I have contacted GOP Chairman Lawrence Garvey to request its removal and he assured me that he will.”

As I have demonstrated, I have a great deal of respect for our Jewish neighbors and want them to know that as their County Executive I will always stand up against hatred. That said, the concerns raised about overdevelopment are accurate, well-grounded and desperately need to be addressed, but this must be done in a way free of rhetoric and rancor.

Governor Andrew Cuomo

NYS Attorney General Tish James

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski

Rockland has many issues: illegal housing, education, overdevelopment, taxes, corruption etc. and I will continue to fight for them in way that offers concrete solutions. The sad fact is the Republican Chair would rather us fight about his inappropriate video than work on these problems in a mature and effective way. We should all condemn the imagery in this video that is meant to stoke fear. Afterwards we should probably ignore his facebook page of immature memes and videos and focus on the serious work we need to do to move our County and State forward. Rocklanders deserve better than this.

Senator James Skoufis

There are major issues in Rockland County that require even-tempered solutions: overdevelopment, including its impacts on our natural resources; the vitality of our local schools; and political corruption, to name a few.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to discuss these challenges. The video created by the Rockland County GOP is unequivocally the wrong way. Words and imagery matter and this campaign piece falls far short of what people deserve in their political discourse.

The video ought to be immediately removed.

Senator David Carlucci

“Hateful rhetoric must be denounced wherever it is seen. Words have meaning. This video is an attempt to create fear and division, while offering no solutions. In Rockland, we must rise above party politics and work together to combat over development and lax code enforcement.”

Naftuli Nick Moster – President and Founder of YAFFED (Young Advocates for Fair Education)

I don’t approve of this video. While Aron Wieder is a vile human being and an ignoramus, this is more of an attack on the entire ultra-Orthodox community, many of whom don’t agree with Wieder and his antics.

I also want to take this opportunity to call out the broader Jewish community for not speaking up when one of our own, emboldened by corrupt leaders, is causing so much division and hatred in this county.

Community Activist Group Citizens United to Protect our Neighborhood (CUPON)

Joseph Coe, Spokesperson, Rockland County Democratic Committee

The Trump playbook of using fear and division has been mastered by the leadership of the Rockland Republican Party for years. Anyone who is surprised that the Rockland County Republican Party produced an anti-Semitic video aimed at mobilizing voters hasn’t been paying attention. County Executive Ed Day, DA candidate Tom Walsh and all republican party nominees need to step up and denounce this latest video and demand that Rockland Republican Chairperson Lawrence Garvey immediately resign. Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between can and should have robust and civil policy debates- Lawrence Garvey’s use of fear and hate deter us from that objective.

Mondaire Jones – Community leader and candidate for Congress (NY-17)

Clarkstown Town Councilman Patrick Carroll

Reactions in support of the video –

Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Garvey

James Foley, candidate for Rockland County Legislature.

* We have reached out to Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee for comments (the two last remaining Rockland elected officials to comment). This article will be updated as they are available.

At the time of writing this article, the video is still posted online. *Update – as of 10:30 am the video was removed.

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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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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