ODC Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: OrangetownDems@gmail.com

March 13, 2025

Experts Warn: Rockland at Breaking Point as Measles Threat Grows

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – More than 30 medical professionals—including leading infectious disease experts—sent a letter today to County Executive Ed Day, warning that Rockland County’s measles vaccination rates are so dangerously low that another outbreak is inevitable without immediate intervention.

The warning comes as Texas experiences its worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with over 200 confirmed cases and the first pediatric measles death in the U.S. since 2003. Yet parts of Rockland have even lower rates than Texas counties already seeing measles outbreaks. Just 62% of children in Rockland are vaccinated by age two—dangerously below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. In some parts of Ramapo, rates are even lower. In Monsey, they are just 41%.

Dr. Neville Clynes, an infectious disease specialist and a signatory of the letter to Day, emphasized the severity of the crisis: "We saw the devastating consequences in 2018-19, more than 300 children in Rockland were infected in one of the worst outbreaks in the country in decades. Yet despite mandated MMR vaccination at school entry, current Rockland County vaccination rates are markedly lower. This is a public health emergency—leaders must act now. Without action, I believe a measles outbreak in Rockland is inevitable. The severely low vaccination rates and the increased resistance to vaccines since COVID could easily result in an outbreak 2-3 times larger.”

Liza Barrie, Chair of the Orangetown Democratic Committee, condemned Day’s failure to lead:

"Instead of ensuring all Rockland children are fully vaccinated against measles, Ed Day appears to be more concerned with pandering to his political alliances in Ramapo—refusing to rock the boat or confront hard truths while public health suffers. He is ignoring dangerously low immunization rates in the very epicenter of Rockland’s last outbreak. A 41% vaccination rate in Monsey is a public health disaster—lower than in war-torn Yemen and Somalia.

"It’s no accident that Day is putting politics ahead of public safety. In November, Ramapo voters overwhelmingly backed Donald Trump and Mike Lawler. To maintain Republican control of Rockland, Day is gambling with public health.”

"If another life-threatening measles outbreak hits Rockland, the blame will rest squarely on Ed Day,” said Ernest Morales, who is running against Day to be the next Rockland County Executive. “This is a prime example of Day’s failure on public outreach and education for the benefit of the entire community,” he added.

Per Orangetown Democratic Chair Barrie, “The Orangetown Democratic Committee applauds the medical professionals who have sounded the alarm and joins them in demanding immediate action to prevent contagion and save lives.”

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March 6, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Liza Barrie (845) 664-8333

Orangetown, Clarkstown and Stony Point Democrats: Lawler Breaks His Promise, Votes to Gut Medicaid

Rockland County, NY – Although Congressman Mike Lawler campaigned on protecting healthcare access, last week he did the opposite. Lawler (R-NY17) voted for the House Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res.14), passed on February 25, 2025, which when ultimately enacted, would slash up to $880 billion from Medicaid, putting over 100,000 Rockland County residents at risk.

“This vote is not just a policy choice—it’s a betrayal,” declared Orangetown Democratic Committee Chair Liza Barrie.

“Lawler stood before his constituents and promised to protect Medicare and Medicaid,” said Barrie. “But when it came time to act, he went lock-step with the far-right extremists running his party and voted to gut a program that his constituents rely on for health care.”

Lawler’s vote, which will lead to reducing Medicaid funding, proves he stands with the most extreme elements of the Republican Party—at the expense of working families, seniors, children, and people with disabilities in Rockland County. “In addition to the stripping of services to the most needy, the reduction in Federal Medicaid funding will force New York State to raise taxes to fill the gap. This will hit us all in the pocketbook,” said Pete Reilly, Chair of the Stony Point Democratic Committee.

Instead of standing up for the people he represents, Lawler is answering to billionaire donors— like Elon Musk whose PAC gave him $1.4 million, more than any other congressional candidate in the nation—and extreme, radical right-wing bosses determined to destroy the health and livelihoods of the neediest to cut taxes for the wealthiest.

The consequences of Lawler’s vote are clear:

More than 100,000 Rockland County residents could lose healthcare, forcing them to forgo necessary medical care.
Hospitals and clinics will face possibly crippling financial and staff strain, leading to longer wait times, reduced care, and fewer services.
Local health care jobs will be at risk, further damaging families and our economy.

This, as the low rate of measles vaccination in Rockland County is a public health disaster waiting to happen.

Greg Sheehan, Co-Chair of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee added, "Many children, like my son, rely upon Medicaid funding to support their individualized education plan (IEP) to help them realize their full potential in school. We will not stand by and watch Lawler stunt our children's growth as he votes for massive cuts to the many vital services Medicaid provides."

Lawler’s actions show exactly whom he serves—and it’s not the people of Rockland County. In a resolution passed by its executive committee, the Orangetown Democratic Committee has called on Lawler to stop catering to extremist interests and start protecting the healthcare of his constituents.

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Clarkstown, OrangetoWn, and Stony Point Endorse Pascale Jean-Gilles for Democratic Commissioner of Elections

The Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Stony Point Democratic Committees have overwhelmingly endorsed Pascale Jean-Gilles for Rockland County Democratic Commissioner of Elections.

Ms. Jean-Gilles was born and raised in Nyack, graduated from Nyack public schools, and holds a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law. She has served as law clerk, staff to several New York State legislators, and as president of the Rockland County Young Democrats. In 2022, she was elected Trustee in the Village of Nyack. If appointed by the Rockland County legislature, Jean-Gilles would be the highest-ranking Haitian American in Rockland County government.

Per NYS election law, Democratic and Republican Commissioners of Elections are appointed by the County Legislature based on recommendations from their respective party committees. With the retirement of current Democratic Commissioner Kathy Pietanza, whose term ends at the end of 2024, Rockland County Democratic Committee members will vote in September to recommend a replacement for appointment by the County Legislature.

Liza Barrie, chair of the Orangetown Democrats, emphasized, “This position must remain free from the appearance of nepotism and backroom deals. It is crucial to have a Commissioner of Elections with unparalleled integrity, responsiveness to the public, and the vision and fortitude to conduct secure elections. Pascale Jean-Gilles is a strong leader and would make an outstanding Board of Elections Commissioner.”

According to Pete Reilly, chair of the Stony Point Democrats, “The Board of Elections Commissioner is not a clerk’s position. It’s a four-year appointment that requires a deep understanding of election law and proactive efforts to increase voter registration, participation, and confidence. Along with all the members of the Stony Point Democratic Committee, I wholeheartedly endorse Pascale.”

Monica Ferguson, Chair of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee, stated, “The importance of having a commissioner who is trained in interpreting the law cannot be overstated. Legal attacks on candidatesand procedures from those looking to limit choice are persistent in elections. Pascale Jean-Gilles' experience puts her at a distinct advantage as a defender of ballot access.”

Pascale Jean-Gilles has a proven track record of service to the Democratic Party through her years on the staffs of Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee, NYS Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, and as Chief of Staff for NYS Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky. Her education and experiences volunteering alongside Rockland Dems through numerous election cycles, as well as running for office herself, underscore her exceptional qualifications to serve all communities in Rockland as Commissioner of Elections.

Together, the Democratic and Republican Commissioners of Elections are responsible for an annual budget of over $6 million, recruiting and training diverse staff, maintaining polling equipment and systems, supervising polling sites and workers, encouraging voter participation, and safeguarding voting integrity in compliance with state election law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2024

Orangetown Democrats Oppose Proposed Faith-Based Housing Act

ORANGETOWN, NEW YORK – Following a decisive vote, the Orangetown Democratic Committee has adopted a resolution calling on all Orangetown elected officials and candidates from all political parties to oppose the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act (FBAHA) publicly. The New York State Legislature's bill, which allows religious organizations to build housing in defiance of local zoning laws and NYS environmental regulations, has sparked significant concern among community members and leaders.

While acknowledging the urgent need for smart and equitable housing solutions to address New York State's affordable housing crisis, the resolution urges the NYS legislature to pursue approaches that respect community needs and environmental protections.

The resolution highlights the considerable adverse impacts that FBAHA would have on Orangetown, potentially leading to the development of over 10,000 new housing units without the necessary public infrastructure to support such growth. The Committee emphasizes that this would not only violate the Municipal Home Rule Law granted in Article IX of the New York State Constitution but would fundamentally alter the character of the community.

Orangetown Democratic Committee chair Liza Barrie said, "This is a terrible piece of legislation. Giving anyone carte blanche to develop properties without regard for any local laws, regulations, zoning, or review is outrageously reckless. Our united stand against the bill underscores our commitment to preserving Orangetown’s beauty and open space for today and for future generations.”

The resolution highlights the alarming speed at which the FBAHA would allow construction of multi-family housing by exempting such developments from critical site-plan reviews, environmental impact assessments, and state environmental review processes designed to protect the public interest. The FBAHA would be devastating for Orangetown.

The Orangetown Democratic Committee's resolution is a call to action for officials and candidates from all political backgrounds to stand against the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act. The Committee is sending this resolution to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, and other key stakeholders to express their firm position on the issue and to advocate for more serious approaches to solving the state's affordable housing crisis.

Contacts:

Liza Barrie (845) 664-8333; Heather Hurley (845) 825-6435