Friends,
This year’s County Legislature election has the potential to dramatically impact the future of our County. As most are aware, all 17 Legislative seats are up for election this November.
I am a candidate for Legislative District 15 (Pearl River, Nanuet, and Chestnut Ridge). During my campaign, I have been clear on the top concerns facing our County and what I, and many others, feel are the most pressing issues in this year’s election.
Make no mistake, the threat of reckless overdevelopment made possible by elected officials who pass irresponsible legislation or fail to enforce the law is the number one concern in Rockland. Overdevelopment threatens our quality of life, our environment, and our bucolic, suburban landscape. This is not solely a village, town, or local issue; rather, it is a county-wide issue and we need elected officials at ALL levels of government who will not shy away from this problem and are willing to fight against this threat.
I have consistently stated that I support the measures of our County Executive Ed Day and will work with Ed work to stop overdevelopment throughout the County. However, those who wish this culture of lax law enforcement and overdevelopment to continue oppose Ed’s stance and the work he and his administration have done.
Many who oppose Ed Day repeatedly cite to the legal principle of “Home Rule” and argue that the County Executive and County Legislature have no legal authority to challenge zoning decisions or the failure of towns and villages to enforce safety and building codes. While it is true that “Home Rule” insulates a town or village from County control in certain instances, those who stand behind the “Home Rule” argument simply do not want what is happening in certain parts of this County, including Ramapo, to change. “Home Rule” places an obstacle to the most direct way for the County Government to combat overdevelopment and lax code enforcement, but it does not mean that the County should not find other legal means to fight this treat.
Consider this: if there is a fire in house and the front door to the house (the most direct way inside) is locked, would first responders say, “Oh well, I guess there is nothing we can do.” Of course not; the first responders would find any way possible to gain access to fight the fire! That is what those who support Ed Day’s administration and I, if elected this November, will do: find a way to tackle the biggest threat to the future of our County.
As stated at the County Legislature on September 3, it is time that our elected officials “DO THEIR JOBS!” If Ramapo elected officials did theirs, there would not be such a pressing need for action at the County level.
When considering who to vote for this November, look for candidates who will fight for this County and not hide behind “Home Rule” to allow the lawlessness and overdevelopment to continue. I promise you, if elected as District 15 Legislature, I will work every day to the best of my ability and will certainly DO MY JOB.
Please vote John McGowan this November 5! I am Republican candidate and proud to be running with the SAM candidates on Row H!
Please also see below County Executive Ed Day’s recent posting on the issue of “Home Rule” and what his administration is doing to find unique approaches to combat the threat of overdevelopment and serve ALL the residents of Rockland.
McGowan Agrees with County Executive Ed Day: “We Are Fed Up!”
Once again, County Executive Ed Day got it right! I was at the Legislature meeting on September 3rd and spoke out against the failure of elected officials, especially those representing the Town of Ramapo, to consistently enforce the law, leading to a culture of noncompliance and overdevelopment that threatens our County’s quality of life and natural resources. I stand by our County Executive and I am proud to have his endorsement for my campaign. I promise to work with Ed and his administration to keep moving Rockland in the right direction so the future is promising for all!
“What happens in one part of Rockland will affect ALL of Rockland.”
I encourage everyone to read Ed’s full statement on Rockland Report.