Government

Rockland County Legislature Selects Leadership for 2026

Published

7 months ago

January 19, 2026

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Legislature voted Thursday night to fill its leadership positions for 2026, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. to a fifth consecutive term as Chairman.

Aney Paul was reelected Vice Chairwoman, while Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.

Party leadership roles were also confirmed, with Democrats reelecting Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader and Republicans reelecting Lon M. Hofstein as Minority Leader. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Hood said. “I look forward to continuing our collaborative work within the Legislature and with the County Executive and Administration to deliver responsible governance and positive results for Rockland County residents. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”

Hood has served in the County Legislature since 2007 and previously held the positions of Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board.

Paul was elected Vice Chairwoman for the seventh time. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2012 and has previously served as Majority Leader.

In addition, Moshe Hopstein was sworn in after being appointed last year and subsequently winning election in November to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider, who was elected to the New York State Assembly.

Legislators also unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. Toole appointed Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.

All officials were sworn in by Donna Silberman.

Government

Turn Food Scraps Into Compost with Rockland’s Recycling Program

Published

3 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After a summer barbecue or family gathering, those leftover food scraps don’t have to end up in the trash.

Rockland County is encouraging residents to join its Food Scrap Recycling Program, which diverts food waste from landfills and turns it into nutrient-rich compost.

Food scraps that end up in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling items such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste, residents can help reduce emissions while creating a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

County officials say the program is easy to join and can make a meaningful difference in reducing a household’s environmental footprint.

From banana peels and watermelon rinds to leftovers from backyard cookouts, every bit of food waste recycled helps keep organic material out of landfills.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and sign up through the county’s Food Scrap Recycling Program.

Government

Rockland Health Department Issues Hudson River Recreation Update

Published

1 month ago

July 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is advising residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3, while reminding the public to follow state health guidance when recreating on the Hudson River this holiday weekend.

According to the department, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been coordinating with Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, and other partner agencies following the wastewater system disruption.

Health officials said residents should not drink untreated Hudson River water under any circumstances. They also advise against swimming or participating in activities that involve full-body immersion at beaches that remain closed.

However, officials said recreational activities involving partial contact with the water—including boating, kayaking, and fishing—are considered safe. Anglers are encouraged to review New York State Department of Health fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

The Rockland County Department of Health said it will continue working with state and local agencies to monitor conditions.