FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2020
Contact: John Lyon 845-638-5645

County Executive Delivers 2020 State of the County Address

"It is with great pride that I can report to all that the state of our beloved County is strong."

New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day spoke to the efforts of Rockland County Government to ensure a bright, sustainable and safe future for the next generation of Rockland residents and honored team members for their hard work and dedication. The County Executive spoke from the 1st Floor of the Palisades Center in West Nyack in an effort to make government more open, transparent and a part of the day to day lives of the people of Rockland.

The County Executive touted promises he has fulfilled with the help of the many talented and dedicated team members working in County Government since taking office including:

• Righting the fiscal ship – "In 2014, we faced a 138-million-dollar deficit. Today we have a $32.2-million surplus, still below where we need to be, that we will continue to grow until we reach full financial strength. Back then, we were the most fiscally stressed county in New York and now we have been completely removed from the New York State Comptroller's fiscal stress list."
• Growing the local economy – "During my time in Office, we have brought back $8.4 BILLION in ratables. These additions will ensure the stability of our tax base for years to come; protecting homeowners from the double-digit tax increases of the past."
• Preserving Rockland's future – "Fighting illegal and dangerous housing through our Center for Codes Investigations "RCI" which has conducted over 26,000 investigations, issued over 32,000 violations and assessed almost $2 million in fines since its inception in 2015."

During the event the County Executive presented Awards of Recognition to three members of the Congers Fire Department whose quick action and outstanding effort saved the life of a 49-yeal-old man who was suffering from a cardiac event. The man's wife was driving him to the emergency room and as they were passing the Congers Firehouse on Route 9W she pulled into the parking lot and alerted these volunteers who leapt into action.

They quickly determined the man was unconscious and did not have a pulse. That's when Chief Engineer Robert Ryder and 2nd Assistant Lieutenant Ryan Loock started performing CPR. Assistant Chief Joseph Britney notified the Clarkstown Police and they promptly engaged the victim with an Automated External Defibrillator. After two shocks the man's pulse and breathing were restored.

"As a former first responder, I know you would never call yourself heroes; you were simply doing what you were trained to do. But you are heroes, not only for your actions on that Sunday but for every conscious choice you have made that led you to be at the firehouse that day."

County Executive Day also detailed many of the actions being taken as Rockland works towards earning Bronze Certification for Climate Smart Communities which will give the County greater access to grant programs offered by New York State to enhance sustainability efforts.

"We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. We have implemented a policy to only purchase hybrid vehicles if a hybrid is available for the intended use of the vehicle. We are not only working to preserve our natural environment, but we are doing so in a way that is fiscally responsible and fair to our taxpayers."

The Rockland County Sewer District is nearing completion of their Combined Heat and Power Project which will use by-products of the wastewater treatment process to produce electricity which will power a third of the wastewater treatment plant. With all systems in place, there is an anticipated utility savings of approximately $750,000 a year.

The County Executive concluded the speech with a call to action, encouraging residents to get more involved in local issues; everything from protecting our environment to getting to know their neighbors and having honest conversations to address anti-Semitism and any kind of hatred.

"In brief, we have made great progress this last year, but we are not done. The challenges that lay ahead may be the greatest we have ever faced. But I believe, I believe in our promise as a people, as a county. If those of you here tonight, watching at home or reading about this address tomorrow remember and focus on only one thing, I ask that it be this. I need your help; we need your help. Not we as in County Government but we as in all of us, the people of Rockland County. Government alone cannot solve the challenges we face. Your family, friends and neighbors need you. We need you to try harder. To be better. To learn, communicate and reach out in ways we haven't before. To be kind. We are all here, all seeking the same things for ourselves and our families. A safe place to live, to grow and to worship. Our task now is to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the next generation. A generation that deserves to grow up without fear of harm or hate and with understanding and respect for all of their neighbors."

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Photos are available upon request, and the entire event can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/rocklandgov/videos/1907151989428316/

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