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Closing Arguments: Nyack Democratic Trustee Candidates

2017 Nyack Democratic Primary Trustee CandidatesThe Village of Nyack holds a primary election on Tuesday, Sept 12. Four candidates are running for two spots on the Democratic ticket to serve on Nyack’s Village Board. Former Deputy Mayor and Village Board member Don Hammond is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for mayor.
Because Nyack is overwhelming Democratic — and there are no declared Republican candidates — it is widely assumed that the winner of the Democratic Primary will also be the candidate who wins the general election. So if you want to have a voice in this election, make sure you go to the polls this Tuesday. Polls are open 6a-9p. Need to know where to vote? The Rockland County Board of Elections has got you covered.
Each of the four trustee candidates, Joe Carlin, Marie Lorenzini, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Anngela Vasser Cooper were invited to submit a closing argument statement.
 

Joe Carlin

My name is Joe Carlin. I am 62 years old, and over the course of my adult life I have, among other things, served as Team Leader in an Anti-Terror combat unit, studied Economics, was a farm manager, got an accounting license and I run my own successful small business. I am married to a wonderful wife, have 4 kids, 2 grandchildren and 2 cats.
After years of attending many village meetings and seeing how government operates here, I think we’re on the wrong track in many areas. While I believe the Nyack Village Board has done good, even great things, there are areas where we can do better. That’s why I have been a vocal activist speaking out about matters I’m concerned about and why I would now like to serve you as Trustee.
Village government should serve the people and not the other way around. It should be easy to get accurate and timely information, and for residents to be able to participate in local government. Quality of life and environmental issues have not been adequately addressed. Village management and operations need to improve. Affordable housing options should be a priority. And the list goes on. READ MORE

Marie Lorenzini

Nyack has been my home for the last 37 years. Previous to that I was an adopted Nyacker, this is by way of letting you know that my involvement with and commitment to the village is not predicated on current single issue matters.
I believe good government is a fine balance between reflecting on the history of a place and embracing new ideas, for the benefit of all, not just those issues that will affect certain neighborhoods.
The village board of the last eight years has done much good for the village and its residents. We have recovered from a $700,000 financial deficit to a zero percent village tax increase over the last two budget years.
We have worked aggressively to reduce the dependence on parking revenue by $200,000, to try to find a balance for the community. I believe it is very dangerous for the village to rely on parking fees as a reliable source of revenue. We have seen storms knock out parking revenue for an extended period of time. The business community asks for relief from parking fees to assist them in attracting customers in a difficult retail environment. READ MORE

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick

My name is Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. I was appointed in April by Mayor Jen White to fill a vacant position on the Village Board and now I am running for a full two-year term as one of your Village Trustees.
Village Trustees play a key role in Nyack’s government. Along with the Mayor, we are charged with passing local laws and ordinances, managing village property such as Memorial Park, hiring the employees who deliver village services such as the DPW, and approving the annual village budget. My experiences have prepared me well to assume this role and I hope to continue serving you for a full term in village government.
Elijah Reichlin Melnick, 2017 Nyack Democratic Primary Tusteee CandidateAfter growing up in Nyack, graduating from Nyack High School in 2002, and Cornell University in 2006, I’ve spent my adult life working to help people and improve communities. I started my career teaching at an inner city elementary school in New Haven, CT for two years before moving back to Nyack. Since then, I’ve held several roles in local government offices. From 2009-2013 I worked for our Congresswoman Nita Lowey and our former Congressman Eliot Engel, helping thousands of Rockland residents solve problems with federal government agencies. From 2014-2016 I served as the Executive Assistant for Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart, where I worked with him to oppose the United Water desal plant, keep Orangetown’s budget under the tax cap 4 years in a row, and pass the popular Do Not Knock Law.  READ MORE

Anngela Vasser Cooper

I am a lifetime resident of Nyack, rasied and born. I served six years in the United States Army. I graduated of Fordham University with a Masters in Social Work.  I am the Founder and CEO at Women Veterans Assn. Of Hudson Valley, Inc. We assist, guide and direct women veterans returning home from military service, with benefits, eligibility and entilements… (men are not excluded). I am also, Vice-Chair of the Nyack Democrat committee.  For my outstanding work in the community. I am the 2nd woman, Buffalo Soldier Awardee in Rockland County.

I am not politician, but, a social worker who serves the people. A social worker who advocates for policy change and seek solutions.We need strong leadership in Nyack, someone who will address the concerns of the residents, such as affordability and quality of life issues…
We need qualified board members who will support integrity and transparency, and not be submissive and passive to the real-estate developers. I understand change is inevitable. I also understand there are somethings that are out of my control, but, I want to assure the residents of Nyack with Anngela Vasser Cooper they will always have an advocate at the table to assure, Nyackers, their voices will be heard!
I served my country, now, I want to serve my community.
Vote- Primary Sept 12,  Anngela Vasser Cooper, Row A – 3A.


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