Patch has asked your candidates a set of questions. Check back each day for their answers. This week, we're looking at county candidates and next week we'll look at town candidates. Check out this Patch Article for the line up this week. Today's candidate is: Edwin J. "Ed" Day who is seeking re-election in Rockland County Legislative District 5 which represents New City and Pomona.

Party lines:

Reppublican, Conservative, Working Families, Indpendence             

1.     What community do you live in?        

Central New City

2.     How long have you lived there?          

Approximately 30 years

3.     How old are you? 

60

4.     Provide family information 

Wife, Jean, and two sons, Chris and Mike

5.     What is your educational background? 

AAS Business Administration, additional college level studies and numerous professional development courses

6.     Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

Years of ground up experience in dealing with issues and government as a civic association president help me excel in advocating for this community. A professional life, that continues to this very day as a full-time security consultant in NYC, includes executive experience in the public and private sectors. Through that, I bring knowledge of budgets, procurement, management, security, and public safety to my mission of representing the people of Rockland in the Legislature.

Established success as a legislator by getting key pieces of legislation passed that enhanced child safety, tightened up consumer protection laws, and protected military and civilian families attending funerals.

7.     Why are you running for this elected office?

I look to continue advocacy for the people, such as my holding O&R accountable to the public for their response to Hurricane Irene and working to ensure the revitalization of the New City Hamlet Center; move my legislation for County-wide Term Limits through the Legislature to a vote by the citizens of Rockland; with county finances near crisis levels build on my well known efforts designed to stave off financial ruin, such as getting the NYS Comptroller to audit our books; and engage in legislative initiatives that are necessary and compelling, such as the legislation previously mentioned. 

8.     What are the three issues that most concern you?

Integrity of County finances, overall cost of living for families here in Rockland, and ensuring that the services that make Rockland so special are maintained.

9.     Explain your proposed approach to managing these issues.

Continue bringing a unique approach to problems, such as having the state comptroller audit our books. Being able to navigate through issues relatively free of the political pressure that comes from having other employment and not having family on the government payroll.The independence that comes from non-political full time employment; strong support in the community; and my entire family working outside government. In short, I owe only the people of Rockland.

As far as an "approach" ... as a legislator whose job is primarily appropriations, policy, and a check on the executive branch who functions as the the day to day manager of government, my opportunity for approach is largely limited to a reactive role. However, and in addition to the County Audit, I have called for and supported strategies such as multi year budgeting and a deficit reduction plan. 

10. Have you held elected office before?

This was the first and only position, a position I initially ran for at 54 years of age.

11. What organizations do you belong to?

• Legislative Liaison to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland, ARC of Rockland, and Jawonio
• New City Vision Plan Advisory Committee 
• Board Member/Past President, Little Tor Neighborhood Association 
• Board Member, ARC Foundation of Rockland
• Board Member, Rockland County Police Hispanic Society
• Member/Past President, Clarkstown North 4th Quarter Club
• Member, Clarkstown Community Task Force – Youth Drug Abuse Prevention, Rockland County Shields, Hudson Valley 10-13, Detectives Clinic New York and New Jersey, RBA, AARP, Lieutenants Benevolent Assc., American Society for Industrial Security, Fraternal Order of Police, "Centurion" American Police Vets

12. Election web site?

www.edday.us