Welcome to the official website for Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, District 5 (New City-Haverstraw), who also serves as the Minority Leader of the Rockland County Legislature.
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Our website is now interacting with and updating our community !! YOU can join simply by sending in an e mail (see link at the bottom of the page) and you will receive ALL of Ed's "Community Updates" ... At NO COST to you ... The Funder of our Government!!
Take a moment to navigate through the site, and come back often for updates! It is Ed's goal to keep his constituents informed and involved, so check it out!
And ... Link DIRECTLY to the Legislature's website -http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Legislature/BioDay.htm
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Ed keeps the promises he made during the campaign !! Click on the "Media Info" tab to see the coverage of Ed's sponsorship of legislation establishing "Sex Offender Free Zones" here in Rockland to protect our children from predatory sex offenders !
Great news came as Local Law #1 was enacted on February 20th, 2007, and now Predatory Sex Offenders will not be able to live, work, or loiter within 1000' where our children typically congregate. Local Law #1 of 2007 is a victory for our community and our children !! Even Putnam and Westchester Counties are emulating Rockland's law !!
The results ? Less than 2 months after the law was signed, a predatory child sex offender who moved right near Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Pearl River was forced to vacate the premises. In August, two child molesters in Monsey were the first predators arrested under Ed's new law. A continuing victory for our families and children !!
And ... On May 3rd, Ed was awarded the Rockland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) "Special Award of Honor" for both his "long term dedication to the health, safety, and well-being of children", and his sponsorship of this critical child protection legislation.
Unbelievable !! Now certain County officials and others are blaming the law for the cost of "housing" a Level 3 sex offender, guess where ... in OUR County Hospital ! Well, Ed blasted back, speaking to the failure of management within County Government that has cost our citizens nearly 700K dollars. See "More Media" section for Ed's 'Community View' piece in the Journal News.
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Ed again delivered a hard hitting presentation as the Minority Leader of the Legislature. Go to the "More Media" section to check out the story of Ed's 2009 Minority Report ! His assessment last year of pending deficits and the need for County government to act and not wait are now being seen clearly as the year progresses and our financial condition deteriorates.
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How long does it take for a State agency to see the pain? The Thruway Authority caused multi-mile delays across our County by inept mishandling of the "metal plate" issue. Ed, who commutes over the Tappan Zee Bridge on a daily basis just like you, has been a thorn in their side since he got into office, calling on and staying on the Thruway Authority since the "raised bolt" debacle from last summer. After letters from Ed calling for a gubernatorial inquiry and potential legal action, his calls for leadership change were met, and this time out, the plates were installed PROPERLY, and our commute is again a decent one. See the "Media Info" section for the full story on how Ed kept pushing until the Thruway Authority moved !
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The Access Road that late last year was proposed to be built behind the jail adjacent to the Demarest Kill and leading to New Hempstead Road, has been formally WITHDRAWN by the County Executive on October 16th, and two days later, on a motion made by Ed, the full legislature unanimously voted to WITHDRAW the project from consideration.
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You heard that the New City Post Office was all set to curtail their hours of operations ... Just as we were entering the busy holiday season ! Well, Ed got word of it, made the calls, and the Postal authorities announced a reinstatement of the original hours just an hour and a half later !! Ed acknowledged the local postmaster and the community in the effort.
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Drivers' Licenses for those illegally in our Country? Please. Ed and fellow legislator Doug Jobson sponsored legislation supporting the state legislature's efforts to stop the Governor's absurd plan to codify those who cheated their way into our country.
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Ed is standing with his neighbors and keeping up the pressure to have the FAA Air Space planned pulled. Ed, who voted in the legislature to have the FAA plan pulled also spoke passionately at both rallys held in Rockland. He has again demanded effective assistance, not lip service, from our federally elected officials. AND ... Ed AGAIN spoke to the issue at the September 19th meeting of the County legislature. Click on the "Community Issues" tab for details and updates.
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Since he was first elected, Ed has been pushing the MTA to "stop treating Rockland like the stepchild with a bank account". In 2006 alone, we conveyed 17 million dollars MORE than we received from the MTA. Enough is enough, and Ed has laid out the challenge ! See the "Community Issues" section for more.
And in May, 2009, the MTA inflicted a Mobility Payroll tax and added various auto fees to our County while minimizing the cost to New York City residents. Ed was ahead of this, having introduced legislation to withdraw five months earler from what he called "The Consortium of Inequity", where we give nearly $2 for every dollar we get back. See "More Media" for details.
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A 10% property tax for 2009? On top of a property tax increase last year that was supposed to be "only" 7 1/2% BUT was found by Ed to actully range between 18 and 32% !! When added to much of the speculative revenue that was projected in the County Executive's budget, Ed simply said "Enough" and voted "No". See the "Community Issues" section for his comments and details ALL taxpayers should be aware of.
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Approve a contract when nine companies formally express interest in a 3 MILLION DOLLAR job, but only ONE bids for the work? A company is selected for a $125,000 contract, but the paperwork only reflects a company "name" which CANNOT be found in any directory ... No address, no background, nothing ! Does that get your attention? It should, as it is your money. Well, it got Ed's attention also, and he asked the hard questions, and made clear recommendations that reflects his experience and background. See the "COMMUNITY ISSUES" section for details.
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Ed is following up on another pledge he made ... He does not expect his constituents to always have to take time to come to government meetings. So, in addition to his normal high visibility in our community, he implemented a formal "Listening Tour", personally coming out to see you in your local community !! No, he is not up for election this year ... just doing what he said he would !! Ed has visited a variety of developments, shopping centers, and neighborhoods in our community already, and will continue to do so.
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Do you think that government should realize windfall profits as the price of gas goes through the roof? Ed didn't, said so last year when he ran for office, and then sponsored legislation to cap the New York State sales tax on gasoline this year. As the first local legislator to raise this concept, he challenged these same officials who are so quick to blame ONLY the oil companies. Well, Ed won the fight, and now millions of additional dollars that was going to government is now staying in YOUR pocket, saving you 8 to 10 cents per gallon !! Click on the "Media Info" tab for more.
AND ... For those gas stations looking to "get over", Ed, a former detective commander, was ready ! His personal "Gas Sales Tax Compliance Survey", widely reported on News 12 and the print media, established who was honest, who was not, and now Consumer Protection and the NYS Tax Department are investigating those who look to rip us off!
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Ed continues his fight to protect the taxpayer !! He introduced legislation designed to save up to 6 million dollars in Medicaid expenditures and provide for volume pricing for law enforcement, security, facilities, and other related equipment.
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Sell expired food products here in Rockland? Rancid produce or spoiled dairy products? How about ineffective (or worse) medication? Maybe even baby food? Does that make you sick? Well, Ed sees the same nonsense you do, and he introduced the Rockland County Expired Food Sale Act of 2008 that now gives YOU, the consumer, the right of recourse when unscrupulous retailers just don't get it by wasting your hard earned dollars and risking your health. See "Media Info" section for details on this important piece of consumer protection law.
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Our thanks to all our neighbors who continue to help in Ed's fight to support Clarkstown's efforts to FINALLY get the Downtown New City project done !! Meetings are ongoing (see "Meeting/Event" section). The results of the ongoing visioning surveys can be seen by linking to the Vision Planning website @
New City Visioning Survey
And ... see Ed's comments by clicking on the "Media Info" tab.
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Citizens' comments as to how Ed has already had an effect on their lives are coming in. Click on the "Testimonials" tab for more.
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Are you fed up with the way you are treated when you see a medical care provider? Demands for your Social Security number and other personal data, signing open ended payment agreements, and not even being able to get a straight answer on insurance matters? Well, Ed has heard this too often, and has introduced a "Patients Bill of Rights" for Rocklanders. Click on the "More Media" tab for details.
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Looking out for Rocklanders is what Ed has pledged to do, as witnessed by legislation he introduced that will protect local art projects but CAP the maximum expenditure simply out of respect for YOUR wallet. Right now, $150,000 PER PROJECT can be spent, and Ed believes that county government MUST exercise discretion in spending just as we do!! He also is looking to use some of the savings for our citizens, particularly our children, who play is sub standard parks that also have a shiny, new piece of art sited there. Ed believes that is not consistent with his belief that art should beautify and serve in a broad sense, and now has legislation submitted designed to do just that. Click on the "More Media" tab for the full story.
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On Thursday, January 5th, 2006, Ed Day was formally sworn in as County Legislator for District 5. The ceremony, held at the Legislative Chambers, was attended by dozens upon dozens of Ed's friends and supporters who provided for an air of excitement and electricity. Ed, who was clearly humbled by the turnout, said "I look to maximize the accessibility of, and connection to, government for the people in this community. Simply put, I will make every effort to make life just a little bit easier for those whom I serve.” Click on the "Biography" tab for the text of his comments.
