County Executive Hopefuls Speak To Rockland Democrats

The Rockland County Democratic Committee held its nominating convention on Thursday and nominated a county clerk candidate but not one for county executive. Instead committee members heard from the four hopefuls about what was wrong with the county, how they would go about fixing it and their vision of Rockland’s future.  

Paul Piperato received the committee’s backing for his third run for county clerk. Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, who nominated Piperato for the four-year term, said he had turned the clerk’s office into a resource for residents.  

“He gets that government is much more than policy,” said Zebrowski. “It’s about constituent service.”  

Piperato spoke about programs available for veterans and small business owners and that the office does not depend upon taxpayers for funding but is totally self-sufficient.  

The county executive candidates spoke in alphabetical order.   Former Spring Valley Justice David Fried said his campaign is about having a smarter county government that is accountable. He said Rockland has been through 20 years of mismanagement that resulted in its low bond rating.  

“Well reasoned decisions made with integrity are what Rockland needs now,” he said  

Fried said he would not give up on making Rockland affordable for young people or give up on East Ramapo students or county taxpayers. If he is not the party’s candidate after the September primary, he pledged to support whoever was.  

Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte took a more combative approach and highlighted his status as “a political outsider.” He spoke about residents who are upset about Rockland insiders and patronage. Lacorte referred to another candidate, Ilan Schoenberger, when he said the legislature’s most influential Democrat was silent on the financial situation affecting East Ramapo schools.  

Lacorte discussed his progressive priorities.  

“As your county executive I’m going to repeal the outrageous energy tax that’s busting the budgets of seniors,” he said.  

Vladimir Leon presented several ideas for remedying problems in the county. He explained his proposal to the CSEA that the employees should buy the county-owned Summit Park Hospital to prevent its possible sale to a private entity. Leon talked about creating a county department of education to help avoid situations like the East Ramapo district is facing.  

“Rockland County can do better,” said Leon. “Yes it can do better depending on who you elect.”  

Schoenberger, who has worked in county government since 1975, spoke about legislation he wrote requiring $10 million be set aside annually to help pay off the deficit. He also talked about term limits and introducing a resolution.  

“I believe in term limits for the county executive branch,” he said. “I don’t believe any county executive should serve longer than two, four-year terms.”  

A resolution was introduced this week before a legislative committee that would set term limits of three, four-year terms for the county executive and legislators.   Schoenberger said he would support whoever wins the primary and reminded the committee members that the county executive must consider everyone.  

“(The) county executive must represent all people and respect the needs of the various towns and villages,” he said.  

Candidates and their supporters can begin collecting petition signatures on Tuesday, June 4. Completed petitions must be turned in by July 2. The primary election takes place September 10.