Rockland executive Day touts county wins as speech interrupted by pro-ceasefire protesters

RAMAPO ‒ Despite being interrupted multiple times by anti-Israel protesters calling for a ceasefire, Rockland County Executive Ed Day gave his annual State of the County speech outlining his vision on Tuesday.

Day, the county executive since 2015, focused on maintaining the county's healthy economic conditions, and housing needs, and using tax dollars and grants to invest in the county's future.

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Protesters interrupt Day

Day was interrupted 10 times by people decrying the Israel-Hamas war, perceived genocide at the hands of Israelis, and calling for a ceasefire. The United Nations passed a resolution for a ceasefire Monday with the U.S. abstaining from the vote. Some protesters wore black masks and accused Day of remaining silent on the deaths in Gaza. Rockland Sheriff's Department officers escorted each protester out of Building A at the health complex.

Day first declined to respond and stood silent as the agitators were removed, but at one point he told the audience: "I am pro-Israel." He also drew parallels between the Israel-Gaza conflict and the U.S. bombing efforts against Japan in 1942.

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Legislator Aron Weider, D-Spring Valley, a pro-Israel Hasidic Jew, responded to several of the protesters. He called them anti-Semites and asked about the Israelis and others still being held hostage by the terrorist group Hamas after killing 1,250 people during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The attack provoked a massive Israeli response, killing an estimated 31,000 people in Gaza.

Day speaks on Rockland's economic health, the future

Day spoke about the strides the government has made since facing default and paying off a $96 million bond this year to cover a $138 million deficit.

The county's fund balance ‒ taxes saved over the years ‒ is estimated to surpass $200 million. County government property taxes have remained stable, decreasing slightly in 2024 after two previous years of zero increases.

Day offered his vision to invest in programs to improve the lives of residents and government efficiency and attract more tax-generating businesses to spur more economic growth while maintaining government spending and taxes. He praised the efforts of government employees and looked to tomorrow.

"The current focus of my administration is maximizing momentum we have generated to ensure this county’s continued success and fiscally stability for generations to come," Day said. "Which is why we continue to invest more in the people of this administration. Accomplishments are only possible with a team that can take us there."

Calls for more affordable housing, economic development in Rockland

Day said the county is stymied by the lack of affordable housing and noted a recent county-paid study showed the average single-family home valued at $700,000 with the median income at $100,000 combined. He said working people suffer from landlords gauging families with high rents and violation-infested housing.

The Rockland Community Development partnered with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress to conduct a first-ever county comprehensive community and affordable housing needs assessment. He said the county will present the findings at a forum on April 19.

"We don’t have the housingstock needed to drive down home and apartment prices, which is resulting in residents living in dangerously overcrowded conditions," Day said.

Day said the study found a housing deficit of 4,200 units for those making under $60,000 annually. He said the program would provide direct loans to borrowers for affordable housing projects in Rockland, and went on to note that the county would hire a housing coordinator.

"We are talking about our essential workers, including teachers, first responders, retail workers, government employees, and more … all unable to afford safehousing here."

Investment in Rockland labor force, transit and tourism

Day told legislators and employees attending his speech that the county is investing more in a future labor force, tourism, transit system, and land purchases to protect the environment and block some overdevelopment.

He said Rockland’s thriving economy is attracting more businesses, which will further offset costs to taxpayers.

The county's Industrial Development Agency reported last year that $1 billion was invested into new projects, creating nearly 1,000 jobs, Day said, drawing applause from the audience.

He praised the Department of Personnel for launching a learning library with courses from specific job training to personal development. The Rockland Youth Bureau will employ hundreds of young individuals who will work over 40,000 hours with employers.

"This provides youth with the valuable skills they’ll need when they enter the workforce," he said.

Rockland's community projects touted

Day noted the efforts of the offices for veterans, seniors, and the health department to improve lives and provide services.

He cited the allocation of $10 million in grants under the federal American Rescue Plan Act to municipalities and nonprofits for more than two dozen projects for parks, playgrounds, and gardens. The county bought more than 40 acres of open space, preserving the land from development.

Vaccinations for diseases increasing in Rockland

Day threw out statistics from the Health Department's efforts to protect families from dangerous diseases.

"Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy has become more common leading to long-eliminated diseases resurfacing, including a case of paralytic polio here in 2022," Day said.

Since that case of polio, nearly 60,000 polio vaccines have been administered countywide, Day said. It’s also been over a year since any polio was detected in wastewater.

The department spearheaded a media campaign empowering parents with information on immunizing their children against harmful diseases. The campaign resulted in a 63% increase in visits to our immunization clinics last year compared to 2022 and a 140% increase compared to 2021.

Legislators praise call for more housing in Rockland

Two newly elected legislators Dana Stilley, D-Orangetown, and Jesse Malowitz, D-Ramapo, praised Day's call for more housing. Malowitz chairs The Legislature's Economic Development & Housing Committee, among his assignments. Stilley is vice chair of the Special Committee on Minority & Women Business Enterprise, among her committee assignments.

Both said they looked forward to working with the Day administration on the housing initiatives and other proposals offered in his state of the county.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland NY exec interrupted by pro-ceasefire protesters during speech