State Senator David Carlucci issued the following statement Friday afternoon.
"Yesterday, the County Executive proposed an gimmick to an $80 million dollar problem. Hardly well thought out, and with no support from the county legislature, this ill-conceived plan would enact troubling new measures for Rockland residents. Vanderhoef's plan will implement an outrageous new energy tax on families who are simply trying to heat their homes in the cold winter months. What's next – a tax on breathing? Scott Vanderhoef now has a new tax increase for every day of the week – plus one for good luck.
"It's clear that the County Executive is not serious about ending the fiscal mismanagement that has betrayed our taxpayers for too long. They have resorted to more of the same tax and blame policies that have gotten us into this mess, instead of working to bring the unions, the legislature, and department heads together to find greater efficiencies and cost-cutting measures.
"I will work with anyone, of any party, to put the county's fiscal house in order without raising taxes on residents. However, I will not and cannot be a part of making Rockland County the tax capital of New York State."
Ron Levine, Communications Director for County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, issued this response.
"Senator Carlucci has placed politics above the interests of Rockland
County residents and has not shown an ability to lead, which has been
demonstrated by his total inaction and disinterest in working in a
bipartisan manner with the County Executive and the leadership of the
Rockland County Legislature. Instead he has resorted to personal attacks
and caustic rhetoric. Sarcasm is not a solution. The Senator simply has
no plan."
