New City, NY – Today, Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte proudly accepted Senator David Carlucci’s endorsement in the race for Rockland County Executive, on the steps of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City. They were joined with grassroots volunteers and supporters that are demanding new ideas and independent leadership to fix County government. In his endorsement speech, Senator Carlucci mentioned that one of his key reasons for backing Dagan Lacorte was his record of financial responsibility as Mayor of Suffern, and how that will translate into effective government in the County. The pivotal show of support comes with less than 50 days to go before the September 10th Democratic primary election.
Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said: “I am proud to endorse Dagan Lacorte as our next Rockland County Executive. He is the best person suited to restore financial responsibility and accountability to county government. It will take independent leadership to make the tough choices that are needed to protect taxpayers and solve our long-term finances after years of neglect. While county insiders have burdened Rockland with ballooning debt and skyrocketing property tax hikes, as mayor, Dagan has been fiscally responsible in managing his finances and stayed within Governor Cuomo’s 2% property tax cap. That’s the kind of leadership we need to get our county back on the right track. I look forward to working with him as our next County Executive.”
Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte (D-Suffern) had this to say about the Senator’s endorsement: “As County Executive, I will implement Governor Cuomo’s tax cap, just as I did as Mayor and block political pay raise as I have in Suffern. I’ll always choose the people over the powerful, whether it’s taking on United Water’s rate hike or the NRA. Rockland needs independent leadership that will stop the endless tax hikes. As Suffern’s Mayor, I’ve shown that fiscally responsible independent leadership can make government work. I will work hand in hand with Senator Carlucci to deliver results for Rockland taxpayers. Together we can make Rockland a better place to work, to live, and to raise our families.”
Since taking office, Senator Carlucci has been critical of County legislative leaders and how they have plunged Rockland County into the financial mess it finds itself in. From 2005 to 2010, the County increased spending by a whopping 20 percent, 67 percent higher than the rate of inflation. For at least the past 6 years, the current County Executive has continued to propose budgets with over-inflates sales tax revenues, simply adding to the County’s already burdensome financial problems. Independent financial ratings agencies, such as Moody’s Investors Service, have also downgraded Rockland County government to one notch above junk status.
While County government spending and taxes have ballooned, Suffern Mayor Lacorte has consistently fought against tax increases and reckless spending to protect taxpayers and ensure financial responsibility. Under his leadership, Mayor Lacorte has innovated local government to reduce costs while expanding quality services for the people he serves. Among the notable achievements include:
- Investing over $6 million dollars in infrastructure improvements while lowering debt service costs
- Investing $50 million dollars plus launching downtown construction projects that will create new jobs
- Reducing his village full-time payroll without resorting to unnecessary layoffs
- Strengthening his workforce violence policy to protect employees from harm
- Fighting for sustainable development, including fighting a New Jersey mega-mall project, as well as striking an agreement that if it is built, it will use stricter New York storm water standards
- Launching a free fitness program for seniors to remain healthy in their golden years
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
