The Correction Officers Benevolent Association of Rockland County (COBARC) endorsed former Spring Valley Justice David Fried for county executive on Monday.
The union president explained the endorsement was based on Fried’s standing as a “longtime, trusted, and proven friend of the law enforcement community,” who is expected to bring sound financial leadership to Rockland.
“First as a chair of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, then as an administrator in the Sheriff’s Office, and as Spring Valley Justice, David Fried has shown his commitment to ensuring a safe community for every resident, family, and business in Rockland,” COBARC President John Kezek, Jr. of Stony Point said. “David’s impressive record of hard work and results is exactly what we need in the County Executive’s office.”
Fried’s campaign manager Stephen Papas said this is the Democratic candidate’s first union endorsement but he has already received campaign donations from other unions including COBARC, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Deputies Association, Rockland County Policemen’s Benevolent Organization and Westchester County Corrections Officers’ Benevolent Association.
COBARC Executive Board Member Matthew Peters of Stony Point voiced his support of Fried.
“His years of experience, along with his understanding of how to cut through partisanship, find consensus, and get things done, no other candidate matches what Judge Fried brings to the table,” said Peters. “He knows our officers on a first name basis, has toured our facility, and has jumped right in to knowing the exact issues in corrections that have the greatest impact on the county budget.”
The union’s executive board indicated it plan to take an active role in the election and urge current and former members and their families to get involved and vote for Fried. According to Papas, COBARC is the first group of county employees to endorse a candidate in the race. The county is mandated by the state to provide corrections services.
Fried expressed appreciation for the support.
“The men and women of corrections are a credit to law enforcement with one of the toughest beats possible,” said Fried. “As county executive I will work closely with our corrections personnel to ensure they have a high quality of life on the job, that they are safe and well-trained, and that their mission is accomplished in a fiscally prudent manner.”
The other Democratic candidates in the race are County Legislator Ilan Schoenberger and Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte. County Legislator Ed Day is the only Republican candidate.
