Rockland County Picks Candidates for Local Offices

The results of last Thursday’s Rockland County primaries set the stage for upcoming general elections in November.

In one of the most closely watched races, Aron Wieder, who serves as majority leader in the Rockland County legislature, defeated challenger Jacques O. Michel, 415–308.

“I am very pleased, particularly that I received support not only from the frum community but from every electoral district,” Wieder, who faces no major challenger in the general election, told Hamodia. “I pledge to represent every member of my district and to do whatever I can to help them.”

Other key positions in contention were two out of four seats for the town board. The board, together with Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, is responsible for many fundamental local budget, tax and administrative issues.  Brendel F. Logan-Charles and Shmuel Tress, who had been endorsed by Monsey’s askanim, were victorious with 3,044 and 2,938 votes respectively.

“Turnout was low, but that was expected for a primary election, especially before Yom Tov,” a Monsey askan, who asked not to be named, told Hamodia. “The main challenge now is to work on getting out the vote for the general election in November.”

The askan added that activists and campaigners would emphasize registering those not presently eligible to take part in elections, raising the number of potential voters.

A large county deficit, high taxes, keeping up with a rapidly expanding demand for housing, and improving public transportation are some major issues that any victorious candidate in the area would have to address.

This article appeared in print on page 20 of the September 17th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.