Some recent articles and excerpts written by and about Ed Day, YOUR County Legislator, regarding some of the issues affecting OUR community!

WHAT ED SAID BEFORE AS A CITIZEN ... HE WILL ALSO SAY NOW AS YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL ... AGAIN CALLING UPON OUR STATE GOVERNMENT TO STOP PROFITEERING OFF THE BACKS OF OUR HARD WORKING AVERAGE CITIZEN !! ### LEGISLATOR DAY SPONSORS LEGISLATION CALLING FOR A ROLLBACK AND FREEZE OF THE STATE GASOLINE TAX New City, NY (April 21st, 2006) – Legislator Ed Day has sponsored legislation requesting that the New York State Legislature resolve existing bills in committee, and immediately enact legislation that would cap the state gasoline sales tax rate to a $2.00 per gallon level. “With the advent of a $3.00 gallon of gasoline, this legislation will immediately cut the price of gasoline to the consumer by as much as 15 cents per gallon”, said Legislator Day, adding that “the people need to see a sense of urgency from their government.” During his first campaign for office late last summer, and in response to a spike in prices, Legislator Day then called for relief from the gasoline tax, noting that in addition to two flat taxes levied on each gallon of gasoline by New York State, a regressive tax of 8 ¼ % is also levied. Three bills were introduced last fall in the State Senate and Assembly, with all still languishing in committee. Legislator Day pointed out that “In addition to the 24 cents flat tax levied on every gallon of gas sold in this state, this additional percentage-based tax rises with the price, and now adds between 25 and 30 cents per gallon to the price”, adding that “consumers are now forking over more than 50 cents to state coffers for every gallon of gas they purchase”. Legislator Day asserted that “Enough is enough; This has to stop now”. This legislation would result in establishing a cap in the sales tax at the $2.00 per gallon level, so that tax would not exceed 16.5 cents. “This simple limitation will provide immediate relief, putting up to fifteen cents per gallon back in the wallet of the hard pressed consumer,” added Legislator Day. Legislator Day expressed outrage at the matter of fact manner in which the state has reacted to the sudden increase in tax receipts from gasoline sales. “I find it remarkable that government officials will assail the oil companies for realizing windfall profits, while our state government stands right next to them, putting their hand into our other pocket”, said Legislator Day, noting that implementation of his legislation would have no negative effect the state’s budget. The Division of Budget forecast additional revenues of 40 million dollars during a six month period during their comments on last year’s legislation. “Given the price of gasoline now, a one hundred million dollar windfall profit by the state in one year is likely”, noted Legislator Day, adding that “New York State did not expect this money, nor does it need it; The average person trying to get to work and balance their household budget does”. Legislator Day feels this issue is particularly critical in Rockland, as the increasing tax rate creates even a greater price disparity between New York and New Jersey, where there is no sales tax on gas. “Inaction at the state level is felt more keenly in border counties such as Rockland, hurting business, ratables, and driving the cost of living to the taxpayer even higher”, said Legislator Day, adding that “Closed service stations, which we unfortunately see plenty of, do not contribute to the tax base, and will force our local taxes even higher”. “We here in Rockland need help, we need action, and we need it now”, concluded Legislator Day.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN, ED SPOKE OF THE FOLLOWING ... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chris Day - September 29th, 2005 Ed Day, a former law enforcement executive and present security professional who is the Republican and Independence Party candidate for Rockland County Legislature, District #5 (New City-Haverstraw), today called for the Rockland County Legislature to create a local law establishing “pedophile free zones” in areas where the children of the community normally frequent. “Like everyone else in this community, I am extremely concerned with the increasing influx of identified sexual predators coming to this neighborhood,” said Ed, who added that this information is available due to the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration Act, commonly known as “Megan’s Law”, which he lobbied for as a PTA Legislative Delegate some 10 years ago. He noted the recent notification that advised of a Level Three Sex Offender, the most violent and likely repeat offender, only a few blocks from Laurel Plains and New City Elementary schools. “The presence of these types of criminals in our midst demands that proactive steps be taken to afford law enforcement every opportunity to prevent a tragedy from occurring here. We cannot afford to wait for statewide action on this issue. Our children deserve immediate action”, Ed added. ++++++++++ TRUE TO HIS PLEDGE TO THE PEOPLE, AND ONLY THREE WEEKS AFTER HE WAS SWORN IN, THE FOLLOWING WAS REPORTED ... ROCKLAND COUNTY LEGISLATOR WANTS "PEDOPHILE-FREE ZONES" By SARAH NETTER THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: January 25, 2006) Hoping to keep known sex offenders away from the county's youth, Legislator Ed Day is seeking to create "pedophile-free" zones in areas frequented by children. Day also wants to give the county jurisdiction to notify residents when a sex offender moves to their area. The proposal, being drafted and reviewed by the county Legislature's legal counsel, would establish protected areas within a 1,000-foot radius of locations such as schools, playgrounds and day-care centers. Day, R-New City, said the law would allow police officers, upon seeing a known sex offender in a pedophile-free zone, to question the offender and remove him or her from the area if there's no reason for being there. Allowing an officer to intercede could "hopefully prevent a child from being abused," Day said. There would be exemptions, Day noted, such as if the offender is traveling to or from work. The measure would pertain to all Level 2 and 3 sex offenders, not just those who had targeted children. "We are dealing with a very unique criminal," he said. "If he's intent on committing a crime, then he'll go where the children are." Sgt. Harry Baumann of the Clarkstown police said he hadn't heard of Day's proposal, but "anything that keeps the child from being harmed, I'm all for." Right now, Baumann noted, police officers are able to question sex offenders or anyone else on the street only if he or she is acting suspiciously. Darlene Lindell, a New City resident and mother of a 7-year-old, said she supports Day's proposal. "I have a young daughter," she said. "Anything that adds to her protection makes me feel safe." Lindell said her daughter's school has sent one or two notices in the past six months regarding sex offenders that have moved nearby. Day said that all residents, regardless if they have children, should be notified when a sex offender moves nearby. At the moment, police departments can notify school districts, which can then notify parents. "Why are we not giving the tools to all people?" he asked. Valley Cottage resident Anne Long agrees. Her two children are grown so she would never receive notification now, even if a sex offender moved next door. "I think that it's time that we give the people here some rights, not just the offenders," she said. "We live here. We should know what's going on in the area." ++++++++++ AND, AFTER MUCH WORK, ED GOT IT DONE ... LEGISLATURE PASSES LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING SEX OFFENDER FREE ZONES IN ROCKLAND COUNTY New City, NY (January 18, 2007) – The Rockland County Legislature has passed legislation, introduced by Legislator Ed Day (New City-Haverstraw), that establishes Sex Offender Free Zones in Rockland County. This proposed local law was unanimously passed by a 15-0 vote after a public hearing held this past Tuesday night. Legislator Ed Day, the bill’s sponsor, said “We have taken a moderate yet necessary step to give a protective edge to our children by recognizing the danger predatory sex offenders pose, and placing a legal, enforceable buffer between our kids and those who would victimize them.” This comprehensive law is specifically focused on the worst offenders in the community; the predatory, convicted Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders who have been determined as likely to repeat their crimes against our children. They would be barred from residing, working, or loitering within 1000 feet of described areas where our children typically congregate, such as schools, playgrounds, child care facilities, youth centers, and public swimming pools. Violators may be legally moved by police from these zones, and are subject to being charged with a misdemeanor under the law. “Unlike other similar legislation, our local law here in Rockland County establishes a relatively unique, three pronged approach. Now law enforcement and local parole officials are empowered to build upon and initiate added strategies that will help to protect our kids by simply using the information available to us through the New York State Sex Offender Registry”, said Legislator Day.   During the public hearing, Legislator Day, a former law enforcement professional who has taught child safety for years, said that the law will serve to bring focus on the ever increasing problem of sex offenders being released into the community, provide for an added tool of enforcement, and recognize the clear and present danger to our children due to the extraordinary recidivism rates of predatory sex offenders. Legislator Day also said at the hearing that “It is incongruous to me that a convicted child molester has every right to lurk about the outskirts of school property; every right to monitor school children’s comings and goings. We must be able to intercede before a child is attacked, and this law will provide the tools to do just that.” “This bill is not a panacea, and there is no substitute for our children having the educational tools that helps prevent them from becoming victims”, said Legislator Day, concluding by saying that “I urge all parents to continue teaching their children the skills to help keep them safe.”

TRUE TO HIS WORD, ED CONTINUES HIS FIGHT AS A CIVIC LEADER TO IMPROVE NEW CITY, BUT DOES SO NOW AS A COUNTY LEGISLATOR ... DAY ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO BE PART OF THE DOWNTOWN NEW CITY DEVELOPMENT New City, NY (February 20, 2006) – County Legislator Ed Day is asking that his neighbors join him at the inaugural public meeting of the New City Vision Plan Committee next week. This meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 1st, 7:00 PM at Clarkstown North High School, is being conducted by Behan Planning Associates, LLC, who was retained by the Clarkstown Town Board as part of the renewed effort to move the long awaited downtown New City Revitalization project from planning to action. “The plans for the improvement of our downtown area has floundered for too long, and I am heartened by both Supervisor Gromack’s leadership in establishing this committee and County Executive Vanderhoef’s partnership with the town in this regard”, Legislator Day said. “It is imperative that we bring the true stakeholders together in short order, define a clear path to follow, and instill a sense of urgency to this issue. We must create a hamlet center here in New City that is befitting the worth of our community”, Day added. Prior to his election, County Legislator Day had been a strong voice in advocating for the revitalization of New City as a past president of the Little Tor Neighborhood Association. That organization was often joined by the New City Chamber of Commerce in advocating for both the businesses and residents of the hamlet. Legislator Day noted that both of these organization’s presidents are on the Vision Plan Steering Committee, along with other citizens, and this brings clarity, focus, and intimate knowledge of both the challenges and the solutions to the effort. “If anyone can help create an accurate map of what is necessary to the revitalization of our hamlet, who better that those who spend most of their lives here; the residents and the shop owners. We are indeed fortunate to have them at the table”, Day said. In addition, Legislator Day has also volunteered to serve on the Vision Plan Steering Committee because, as he said “I am serving simply because I wish to support the Towns’ efforts in revitalizing our hamlet center in any way that I can.” Legislator Day concluded that "the resurgence of this community is finally starting to happen, and I am excited by it. We have one shopping center being rebuilt, another soon coming on board, and a new roadway being finalized. I ask that the true stakeholders here in New City join me as part of the process of rebuilding our community.” <><><><><><><><><><> Rockland County Legislature Passes  Legislation to Regulate Sale of Outdated Perishable Food Local Law            Sponsored by Legislator Ed Day     New City, NY (August 7, 2008) – The Rockland County Legislature passed the “Rockland County Expired Food Sale Act of 2008” at the August 5th meeting. The local law, sponsored by Legislator Ed Day banned the sale of outdated perishable food items in RocklandCounty, and became Local Law #7 of 2008.   The legislation makes it a violation to sell milk and egg products; meat, fish and other perishables, such as fruits and vegetables, which are sold in packages or containers, on the date after the product is clearly and conspicuously marked for final day of sale.   “I am pleased by the support of my colleagues and CountyExecutive for this important consumer protection legislation,” said Legislator Day, “I am sure anyone doing the family grocery shopping has a tale or two relating to the purchase of a spoiled product.” Day added, “Most of our retailers are conscientious in the rotation of their stock and do sell fresh products; some, unfortunately, do not. This legislation will empower our Consumer Protection inspectors to formally act on a consumer’s complaint, a mechanism not previously authorized on the County, State or Federal level. Consumers who do not receive satisfaction from a retailer will now have the ability to file a complaint with the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection for investigation and follow up. This is another layer of consumer advocacy and protection.”   Civil penalties are tailored to severity and recurrence to address those few egregious merchants who violate the public trust, health and safety as a write off or simply for the cost of doing business. This law does not mandate any additional staffing or procedures and will result in no additional costs to taxpayers. Day added, “It is specifically tailored to be a tool used during inspections that are currently done as a matter of course by the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection”.

AS ED SAID A YEAR AGO AS A CITIZEN ... [Ed] Day said with the municipality having financial troubles, only minimal raises should be considered for individuals occupying high paying jobs. "I have no objection to certain employees receiving raises," Day said, "But, when you're talking about people making six figures with benefits, it doesn't sit well with many residents." - Rockland Review, Matthew Emma, February 18, 2005 - Article regarding pay raises for County Department heads ... ED NOW BRINGS TO THE FOREFRONT AS YOUR LEGISLATOR, ONLY SIX WEEKS AFTER BEING SWORN IN !! LEGISLATOR RAISES CONCERNS OVER SALARY INCREASES OF COUNTY OFFICIALS By Matthew Emma (Rockland Review-February 24th,2006) County Legislator Edwin Day has raised concerns over salary increases for certain high ranking County officials. The Legislature, at Tuesday's meeting, held a public hearing to discuss a Local Law providing for the salaries of seven County positions, among them the District Attorney and Sheriff, as determined by the 2006 budget that was handed down by County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef and adopted by the Legislature late last year. Pay raises for these positions range anywhere from three to four percent. The issue of pay raises for high ranking County officials has been a sensitive issue for Day, who was elected to his current post in November and took office last month. Day, who promised, if elected, to take a closer look at any proposed salary increase, said it has been a difficult year for many people in the community and questioned whether it was necessary to grant these raises. Day said the only raise he, at first glance, believed was warranted was for the Sheriff and asked his Legislative colleagues to hold off on adopting the law until a study could be conducted to determine if these pay raises are warranted. "I am asking that an assessment be done," Day said. "We owe at least that much to our constituents." Legislator Ilan Schoenberger, chairman of the body's Budget and Finance Committee, said the increases are included as part of the 2006 budget that was already adopted, but agreed to pull the law and defer it until a later date. However, Legislator Patrick Maroney objected, saying it is simply not in the best interest of the people in the positions in question to table this legislation. "I am not looking to disrupt government," Day said. "I'm only suggesting that, from here on in, when salary increases are brought forward, the Legislature should see some study illustrating what these positions are worth." Schoenberger said a pay equity study was conducted several years ago and all pay raises doled out since are in accordance with its findings. The public hearing was closed and the local law was unanimously adopted. ------------------------------------------------------- And, as an update, Ed did present a formal request to the County Executive for a CURRENT and INDEPENDENT study to accompany the next budget submittal, and not to rely on one that was conducted years ago. ------------------------------------------------------- Legislator Day Requests Governor Paterson Conduct Formal Inquiry into Tappan Zee Bridge Repair Project New City, NY (October 24th, 2008) – Legislator Ed Day, the Rockland County Legislative Minority Leader, (New City-Haverstraw) has formally requested that Governor David Paterson initiate an official inquiry and investigation into the conduct and handling of the construction repair phase at the Tappan Zee Bridge by the New York State Thruway Authority. In addition, the Legislator has also requested that the Rockland County Executive consider having “in house” legal counsel commence a preliminary assessment and review of the dynamics surrounding this project for potential legal action against the Thruway Authority. “The time has now come for the Governors’ direct intervention”, said Legislator Day, adding that “Over the past few months, outright ineptitude on the part of the Thruway Authority has progressed into a daily crisis scenario with multi-mile backups stretching to the western border of our County.” Legislator Day detailed in his letter of October 21st to the governor a number of failings on the part of Thruway management over the past year, while emphasizing recent events caused by inaction in addressing the use of metal plates on the bridge. His four page critique is supported by constituent’s information, news reports, and his own personal observations during his daily commute over the Tappan Zee Bridge to his job in New York City. “I did my very best to lay out a pattern of inaccurate commentary, dismissive responses, and outright misrepresentations on the part of local Thruway Authority management. These include denying documented and detailed requests for action and simple out and out re-creation of occurrences”. In his call for immediate action by the Governor, Legislator Day said that “What is unacceptable is when any state agency, who by virtue of being a separate entity within our government, seemingly believes that they have no compelling need or motivation to act appropriately on behalf of our citizens.” “The most glaring examples of relates to the issue of raised bolts being used over the summer and being ignored until pressure from this legislator was applied, which was disputed by the Thruway Authority’s director, Mr. Ramesh Mehta, who also recently asserted that the plates causing the massive backups on the bridge were beveled and not square edged, which caused drivers to slow down to a crawl to prevent damage to their cars. In both cases, his statements were fully contradicted by personal observations.” Additionally, Legislator Day has requested a review to ascertain if the impact of these repairs at the Tappan Zee Bridge upon Rockland County would merit any legal relief. Legislator Day commented that “When one looks at an impact upon our County of unnecessary traffic jams of historic proportions that includes additional wear and tear on our local roads; damage to our environment; additional strain on local police and other emergency services; inability to deliver goods and services normally; and lost wages to citizens simply trying to get to work just to name a few, I would like to believe that there may be some potential for us to attain some intervener status on behalf of our citizens.” In closing his letter to Governor Paterson, Legislator Day pointed to recent statements by the Thruway Authority of now “measuring” the potential for improving the traffic flow, and said “As someone who has executive experience in both the public and private sector; just where is the sense of urgency? Given the scope of the problem, why was this not done days, if not weeks or months ago? This is not management; this is not public service; this is, at best, ineptitude that also borders on an unparalleled bureaucratic arrogance not befitting your administration. We expect better for the people of Rockland County.”                                                     xxxx              FOR MORE ARTICLES More Media