ELECTION DAY BIG FOR ROCKLAND INCUMBENTS

ELECTION DAY BIG FOR ROCKLAND INCUMBENTS

Incumbents have been swept back into office throughout Rockland. Voters gave Republican Scott Vanderhoef the fifth term he sought as County Executive. Ramapo’s Christopher St. Lawrence, Clarkstown’s Alex Gromack, and Haverstraw’s Howard Phillips – all Democrats -- were returned as Town Supervisor.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE RACE TOPS ELECTION DAY RUNDOWN

COUNTY EXECUTIVE RACE TOPS ELECTION DAY RUNDOWN

Polls are open until 9 p.m. throughout Rockland, with more than 40 races to be settled on this Election Day. The key race county-wide pits incumbent County Executive.Scott Vanderhoef against Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner. County Clerk Paul Piperato runs unopposed for re-election. Giovanni Scaringi takes on incumbent Robert Jackson in the only county legislator’s race -- that of the 14th district, in Clarkstown.

Two town supervisors are running unopposed in Rockland – Clarkstown’s Alex Gromack and Haverstraw’s Howard Phillips. Ramapo’s incumbent supervisor, Chris St. Lawrence, is challenged by Spring Valley village attorney Bruce Levine. Suzanne Barclay and Paul Whelan are vying for the Orangetown supervisor’s seat being vacated by Kleiner. And in Stony Point, William Sherwood and Peter Muller are vying to succeed incumbent supervisor Phil Marino, who’s not running.

As for the villages, there are three key mayors’ races. Noramie Jasmin, Allan Thompson, and Jacques Michel are up for the seat being vacated by incumbent mayor George Darden. Richard Kavesh and Denise Hogan square off for Nyack Supervisor. And in Suffern, Dagan LaCorte takes on James Giannettino, with incumbent mayor John Keegan on the ballot but not actively seeking re-election. Finally, Christoph Sanders runs unopposed for mayor in Piermont.

State of Rockland’s Economy

State of Rockland’s Economy

By Ken Mahoney

Like the rest of the country, Rockland County has been affected by the major recession and housing market collapse. Unemployment has increased from a December 2006 low of 3.2% to 7.4% in June and July of 2009. As of August the official tally had decreased to 7.3%, but challenges remain across New York as sales and income tax receipts are down. In Rockland sales tax receipts are down over 3% and money brought in from mortgage taxes has decreased as well.

The unemployment figures in Rockland are slightly higher than the recession in the early 1990’s and two percentage points higher than the downturn earlier in this decade. Nationally the unemployment rate is above 9%, the highest since the recession of the early 1980’s. New York State’s overall tax receipts are down 7.7% from last year as of September according to the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance. That is $516 million less than last year. The dip in revenue is the worst since the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack. In Rockland, sales tax receipts are down 3.8%.

In response to the financial problems, the Governor of New York has proposed over $4 billion in spending cuts. County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef proposed a 2010 budget with a 1% increase in spending and a 4% increase in County property taxes. Vanderhoef also said he’s responded to the weak economy by cutting $10 million in County salaries through early retirement buyouts. He has eliminated about 200 positions, he said.

The collapse of the housing market has caused a drastic decline in prices and a shift in strengths in the marketplace. The number of homes being sold has plummeted along with the price. According to the Greater Hudson Valley Multiple Listing Service the housing market in Rockland is still in decline at the moment. There were 248 new listings in September, at an average price of $559,102. That’s 10.6% less than new listings last September.

Below, compare prices homes were being sold in 2005 to 2008. In 2005 GHVMLS reported that

230 homes were sold in Rockland for over $750k 653 from $500 to 749k 557 from $400 to 499k 174 from $350 to 399k 94 from $300 to 349k

In 2008 GHVMLS reported that

102 homes sold in Rockland for over $750k 348 from $500 to 749k 392 from $400 to 499k 175 from $350 tp $399k 81 from $300 to $349k

There has even been a resurfacing of a few homes that have sold below $100k, something that hasn’t been seen since the early part of the decade. While in light of the rapid collapse of the market it may seem like prices are low, keep in mind that in 2001 the vast majority of homes in Rockland were being sold between $200 and $400k. GHVMLS reported that the rapid decline in the market has abated some and it is possible a bottom will be reached in the coming year. While some experts like Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke believe the economy will recover in the coming months, it is worth remembering Mr. Bernanke and most others did not accurately forecast the current recession in the first place. Hang on tight; we are sure to see a positive change in trends as long as we continue to persevere.

COUNTY SCHOOLS FACE $10-MILLION IN STATE CUTS

COUNTY SCHOOLS FACE $10-MILLION IN STATE CUTS

Rockland County school districts stand to lose more than $10,000,000 in state funding under Governor David Paterson’s proposed budget cuts. That’s according to Our Town newspaper in a report in today’s edition. Among those who’ll vote on the cutbacks is State Senator Thomas Morahan. He told us this morning he thinks there are ways to trim the budget without short-changing local school districts. But he said districts in Rockland and throughout the state should be looking for ways to keep their own spending down. State legislators are likely to be called back to Albany next week to vote on the budget cuts.

BAIL SET FOR WOMAN IN STOCK FRAUD CASE

BAIL SET FOR WOMAN IN STOCK FRAUD CASE

Bail has been set at $100,000 for a former New City woman accused in a multi-million-dollar stock fraud scheme with her husband. Sixty-two year-old Karen Lampert was arraigned yesterday in State Supreme Court here in Rockland. Her husband, 59-year-old Steven Lampert, is in jail in California. That’s where the couple has been living since leaving Rockland eight months ago. Police say the Lamperts left the county after selling friends and acquaintances more than $3,000,000 in bogus stocks. They’re both charged with grand larceny.

ORANGETOWN BUDGET SEES 4.5% TAX HIKE

ORANGETOWN BUDGET SEES 4.5% TAX HIKE

Orangetown residents will get a 4.5% tax increase if the town’s proposed 2010 budget is approved. Supervisor Thom Kleiner says the $2.9-million increase is necessary to meet contractual agreements with town police and civil service employees. Otherwise, Kleiner says, the budget aims for a zero-percent increase in discretionary spending. Kleiner won’t be in his current office when the budget takes effect. He’s stepping down as supervisor to make his bid for County Executive.

P-S-C GIVES O&R THE O.K. ON RATE-HIKE by Ken Mahoney

P-S-C GIVES O&R THE O.K. ON RATE-HIKE by Ken Mahoney

Orange and Rockland bills will rise an average of about three dollars a month, starting November first. The state Public Service Commission has approved the utility’s request for a rate increase on natural gas delivery. That three-dollar-a-month increase represents only the first year of the package. Two more annual increments will bring the overall increase to more than ten dollars a month for the average user by November of 2011.